lifeless

adjective

life·​less ˈlīf-ləs 

: having no life:

a

: dead

b

: inanimate

c

: lacking qualities expressive of life and vigor : insipid

d

: destitute of living beings

lifelessly adverb

lifelessness noun

Synonyms of lifeless

• dead
• fallen
• deceased

Examples of lifeless in a Sentence

a cold and lifeless landscape

The book's plot was lifeless and predictable.

Recent Examples on the Web

There were signs of life from a mostly lifeless offense over the last two games. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

Tensions quickly escalate and Jessie eventually attacks the tablet before Bonnie comes running back in and the toys go lifeless. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

The Blue Jackets had just gone through the motions in a 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, committing 23 giveaways and totaling just three hits, a lifeless, disinterested — and sadly, fitting — end to the season. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Because watching Curry try to drag a lifeless roster with zero chance at anything meaningful isn’t inspiring. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lifeless

adjective

life·​less ˈlī-fləs 

: having no life

lifelessly adverb

lifelessness noun