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

The days of Clark’s endless competitive spirit in blue and white felt like a lifetime ago compared with the lifeless effort from the Leafs against the Lightning. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

Linas, a runner, started the Creek Team OC Instagram account after noticing changes on his runs along San Juan and Trabuco creeks, where lush green reeds suddenly turned brown and lifeless. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Hiller was in just his second full season in charge of the Kings, who looked lifeless Thursday in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers — the team that also sent Los Angeles home early from the past four Stanley Cup playoffs. —ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026

But living cells and tissues are far stranger and more dynamic than the lifeless materials physicists typically study. —Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 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