ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nameless

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈneɪmɫəs// UK //nˈeɪmləs// name·less Archaic

adj. having no name or a name that is not known. You can also use it to describe a feeling that is hard to explain or identify.

adj. lacking a specific name or identity; anonymous. Often describes abstract feelings or fears that are difficult to define or articulate.


SIMPLE

The hero was a nameless soldier from the village.

CONTEXTUAL

The author received a large donation from a nameless benefactor who wished to remain anonymous.

COMPLEX

As she walked through the abandoned house, a nameless dread began to settle in her chest, though she could see nothing out of the ordinary.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English nameles, equivalent to name + -less. Cognate with Dutch naamloos (“nameless”), German namenlos (“nameless”), Danish navnløs (“nameless”), Swedish namnlös (“nameless”), Icelandic nafnlaus (“nameless, anonymous”).

Usage

Can be used both attributively before a noun and predicatively after a linking verb.

© 2026 English Reference