Word
mindless
Phoneticsmind·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmaɪndɫəs/
UK/mˈaɪndləs/
Definition
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.
Examples
“I enjoy doing mindless chores like washing the dishes.”
“The city was shocked by the mindless vandalism that occurred in the park overnight.”
“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.”
Examples
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).
Real-World Examples
“Vaping has become a "mindless action," she says.” “Survival is less about heroic actions than avoiding mindless mistakes.” Etymology
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.
Idioms
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/mindless