# goalless

/ɡˈəʊlɛs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/goalless
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

describing a game or match where no one scores any points. It is often used in sports like soccer or hockey.

For teachers: characterised by the absence of scoring; resulting in a tie or draw because neither side managed to score. Often used in the context of sports such as football or ice hockey.

## Examples

- The two teams played a goalless match.
- After ninety minutes of intense play, the game ended goalless, forcing the teams into a penalty shootout.
- The defensive strategies of both sides were so effective that the final whistle blew on a goalless draw, much to the disappointment of the home fans.

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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.