Word
loveless
Phoneticslove·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫəvɫəs/
UK/lˈʌvləs/
Definition
adj. describing a relationship or a place where there is no love or affection. It often feels cold or empty.
adj. lacking love, affection, or emotional warmth. Often describes interpersonal relationships or environments that feel sterile or devoid of human connection.
Examples
“They lived in a loveless marriage for many years.”
“The abandoned house had a loveless atmosphere, with every room looking exactly the same and no personal touches.”
“The novel explores the psychological toll of a loveless existence, where the protagonist's daily routines are defined by a lack of emotional investment in his surroundings.”
Examples
simple
“They lived in a loveless marriage for many years.”
contextual
“The abandoned house had a loveless atmosphere, with every room looking exactly the same and no personal touches.”
complex
“The novel explores the psychological toll of a loveless existence, where the protagonist's daily routines are defined by a lack of emotional investment in his surroundings.”
Etymology
From Middle English loveles; equivalent to love + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/loveless