Word
timeless
Phoneticstime·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtaɪmɫəs/
UK/tˈaɪmləs/
Definitions
01classic and ageless
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not affected by changes in fashion or time; always beautiful or useful.
adj. unaffected by the passage of time or changes in fashion; possessing a classic quality that remains relevant across generations.
“A plain white shirt is a timeless piece of clothing that never goes out of style.”
“The architect's design achieved a timeless elegance by avoiding the fleeting trends of the decade in favour of clean, classical proportions.”
02eternal
C1 · Advanced Religion Literary · Formal
adj. lasting forever; having no beginning or end.
adj. existing outside of time; eternal or infinite in duration.
“The poet wrote about the timeless beauty of the stars in the night sky.”
“The philosopher argued that certain mathematical truths exist in a timeless realm, independent of human discovery or physical reality.”
Synonyms
03untimely
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
adj. happening at the wrong time or too early.
adj. occurring at an improper or ill-chosen time; unseasonable.
“The king's timeless death left the country without a clear leader.”
“The chronicler lamented the timeless arrival of the winter storms, which destroyed the crops before the harvest could be secured.”
Usage
Rarely found in modern prose except when imitating historical styles.
Teaching tip
Modern speakers almost exclusively use 'untimely' for this meaning; 'timeless' in this sense will likely be misunderstood.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Is justice defined purely by public opinion or should it be based on more stable, timeless standards?" he said.” “The singer, songwriter and actress is known for timeless hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You.” Etymology
From time + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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/timeless