Word
colorless
Phoneticscol·or·less, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkəɫɝɫəs/
UK spelling · colourless
Definition
adj. having no color at all, like water or clear glass. It can also describe something boring that does not have any interesting or exciting qualities.
adj. lacking distinctive color or hue; transparent. In a figurative sense, it describes a person, performance, or political style that lacks character, vitality, or interest.
Examples
“The liquid in the bottle is colorless and smells like vinegar.”
“Critics described the candidate's speech as colorless, noting that he failed to inspire the crowd with any new ideas.”
“Despite his technical expertise, the minister was often sidelined due to a colorless public persona that failed to resonate with the more passionate segments of the electorate.”
Examples
simple
“The liquid in the bottle is colorless and smells like vinegar.”
contextual
“Critics described the candidate's speech as colorless, noting that he failed to inspire the crowd with any new ideas.”
complex
“Despite his technical expertise, the minister was often sidelined due to a colorless public persona that failed to resonate with the more passionate segments of the electorate.”
Usage
Often used figuratively in political contexts to describe a lack of charisma or ideological distinctiveness.
Real-World Examples
“Ketamine is generally sold illegally as either a colorless, odorless liquid or a white or off-white powder.” “Scientists now know that to jolt the chemicals in Murex snails out of their colourless state, they need to be exposed to visible light .” “What steps should you take if you're in a colorless gray rut?” Etymology
From color + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/colorless