ENGLISH
REFERENCE

scoreless

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈskɔɹɫəs// UK //skˈɔːləs// score·less

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From score + -less.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'remain' or 'end', or modifies a noun like 'draw' or 'tie'.

© 2026 English Reference