thankless

adjective

thank·​less ˈthaŋk-ləs 

1

: not likely to obtain thanks : unappreciated

a thankless task

2

: not expressing or feeling gratitude : ungrateful

How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!

—William Shakespeare

thanklessly adverb

thanklessness noun

Synonyms of thankless

• ungrateful
• rude
• unappreciative

Examples of thankless in a Sentence

a thankless boss who seems oblivious to the extra effort his subordinates have made

the thankless job of cleaning up after a party

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this year, Glaser memorably hosted the Golden Globes, striking the balance for what can be an occasionally thankless gig. —Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025

As a result, the job of BBC director general — though certainly prestigious —is also relentless and thankless. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025

Eighties scream queen Michelle Bauer does her best in a mostly thankless, mostly nude role, but the whole thing is just kind of sad. —Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025

Over the last few years, Jordan was often tasked with the thankless job of backing up three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

thankless

adjective

thank·​less ˈthaŋ-kləs 

1

: not appreciated by others

a thankless job

2

: not showing or feeling gratitude

thanklessly adverb

thanklessness noun