# voiceless

/ˈvɔɪsɫəs/ (US) · /vˈɔɪsləs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/voiceless
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

not having the power to speak or be heard. It describes people who are ignored or groups that do not have a say in important decisions.

For teachers: lacking the power or ability to express an opinion or be heard. Often used to describe marginalized groups or individuals whose concerns are systematically ignored by those in authority.

## Examples

- The children felt voiceless in the meeting.
- The new policy was criticized for ignoring the voiceless communities that live in the city's poorest neighborhoods.
- In many historical contexts, women were considered voiceless, their legal and political rights so severely restricted that their public influence was effectively nonexistent.

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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.