English Reference
Adjective

mindless

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈmaɪndɫəs/ UK /mˈaɪndləs/ mind·less

adj.done without thinking or having a clear purpose. It can also describe something that is very boring because it is so simple.

adj.characterised by a lack of conscious thought, intelligence, or purpose. Often describes repetitive tasks or acts of destruction.


SIMPLE

I enjoy doing mindless chores like washing the dishes.

CONTEXTUAL

The city was shocked by the mindless vandalism that occurred in the park overnight.

COMPLEX

While some find data entry to be mindless work, others appreciate the rhythmic nature of the task as it allows their thoughts to wander freely.

Usage

Often used to modify nouns related to labor (work, tasks) or negative behavior (violence, destruction).


From Middle English myndles, myndelees, myndeles, mendlees, from Old English myndlēas, ġemyndlēas (“foolish, senseless”), equivalent to mind + -less.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old English myndlēas
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated