Word
scoreless
Phoneticsscore·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskɔɹɫəs/
UK/skˈɔːləs/
Definition
adj. having no points or goals in a game. You use this to describe a match where neither side has scored yet.
adj. having achieved no points, goals, or runs in a sporting contest. Often used to describe a draw or the state of a game in progress.
Examples
“The first half of the match ended scoreless.”
“Despite several close attempts from both teams, the game remained scoreless until the final minute of play.”
“The scoreless draw was a testament to the disciplined defensive strategies employed by both managers, though it left the spectators hoping for more offensive creativity.”
Examples
simple
“The first half of the match ended scoreless.”
contextual
“Despite several close attempts from both teams, the game remained scoreless until the final minute of play.”
complex
“The scoreless draw was a testament to the disciplined defensive strategies employed by both managers, though it left the spectators hoping for more offensive creativity.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'remain' or 'end', or modifies a noun like 'draw' or 'tie'.
Real-World Examples
“Finland and Belarus played to a scoreless draw in Helsinki.” “The scoreless draw in Slovenia on Saturday raised the question of where McTominay will fit in when he returns.” Etymology
From score + -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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englishreference.com/q/scoreless