# fatherless

/ˈfɑðɝɫəs/ (US) · /fˈɑːðələs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fatherless
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

without a father because he died or is not part of your life. You use it to talk about a child growing up this way.

For teachers: lacking a living or present father, typically through death, absence, or estrangement. Often describes a child raised without paternal care or presence.

## Examples

- She raises her fatherless son with love and care.
- The charity supports fatherless children with school fees and mentoring.
- Growing up fatherless in a small mining town, he learned early to find guidance in teachers, uncles, and books.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.