# toothless

/ˈtuθɫəs/ (US) · /tˈuːθləs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toothless
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. having no teeth

adjective · CEFR B2

having no teeth in the mouth.

For teachers: lacking teeth; edentulous.

- The old man gave a wide, toothless grin as he told his story.
- The rescue center cared for several toothless senior dogs that required a specialized diet of soft, wet food.

### 2. lacking power

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a rule, law, or group that has no real power to punish people or make them follow instructions.

For teachers: lacking the necessary power, authority, or means to be effective or to enforce regulations.

- Critics complained that the new environmental law was toothless because it had no fines.
- Without the authority to impose financial sanctions, the regulatory body remained a toothless organization that companies simply ignored.

Usage: Often used to describe laws, regulations, committees, or agreements.

## Examples

- The old man has a toothless smile.
- The new safety regulations are toothless because the fines for breaking them are too small to matter.
- The treaty was criticized as toothless, failing to impose any real restrictions on the military activities of the signatory nations despite its lofty rhetoric.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.