mindless

adjective

mind·​less ˈmīn(d)-ləs How to pronounce mindless (audio)
1
a
: marked by a lack of mind or consciousness
a mindless sleep
b(1)
: marked by or displaying no use of the powers of the intellect
mindless violence
(2)
: requiring little attention or thought
especially : not intellectually challenging or stimulating
mindless work
a mindless movie
2
: not mindful : heedless
mindless of the consequences
mindlessly adverb
mindlessness noun

Example Sentences

The article was a mindless piece of nonsense. The movie has been criticized for its mindless violence. a mindless waste of time He seemed to be completely mindless of the danger he was facing. She was mindless of her appearance.
Recent Examples on the Web Read a book or play a mindless game on the computer. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2023 The idea that sharks are mindless killing machines has been perpetuated for decades. David Shiffman, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2021 These are important reminders that these men are not mindless pawns who will do Putin’s bidding under any circumstances. Jennifer Mathers, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2023 Yet the clumsy, euphoric, almost mindless planning for Market Garden took no heed of this. Max Hastings, The New York Review of Books, 28 May 2020 The ant stumbles about in a literally mindless stupor until the connection between its head and body is dissolved by a enzyme released from the maggot. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 2 July 2012 There are ominous rumbles suggesting that the mindless mob may be coming for Bill Buckley in full, monument-toppling mode. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 10 Feb. 2023 In the show, which is based on a popular video game, Cordyceps has evolved to be able to infect humans, take over their brains, and turn them into mindless monsters. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 1 Feb. 2023 In other words, mindless scrolling can easily lead to an acceptance of misinformation and a lack of discernment for truth. Peter Suciu, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mindless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mindless was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near mindless

Cite this Entry

“Mindless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindless. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

mindless

adjective
mind·​less ˈmīn-(d)ləs How to pronounce mindless (audio)
1
a
: lacking the ability to think, feel, or respond
a mindless killer
b
: showing no use of the intelligence
mindless violence
2
: not mindful
mindlessly adverb
mindlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on mindless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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