lifeless

adjective

life·​less ˈlīf-ləs 

: having no life:

a

: dead

b

: inanimate

c

: lacking qualities expressive of life and vigor : insipid

d

: destitute of living beings

lifelessly adverb

lifelessness noun

Synonyms

• asleep
• breathless
• cold
• dead
• deceased
• defunct
• demised
• departed
• fallen
• gone
• late
• low

Examples of lifeless in a Sentence

a cold and lifeless landscape

The book's plot was lifeless and predictable.

Recent Examples on the Web

The video shows a man trying to drag Zakariya’s lifeless body before he too is shot. —Zeena Saifi, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025

All along, the film lingers on the statues and busts, lifeless figures watching the horrors wrought by a house that’s unnervingly alive. —Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025

And, the one that hurts the most: how long was Christine Wilbur’s lifeless body laying there before someone finally stopped? —Ryan Lillis, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025

According to the Tribune, investigators believe the brutal murder took place in Thomas’ Baton Rouge apartment, as witnesses reportedly saw the influencer struggling to move a blue tarp—later confirmed to be holding Abraham’s lifeless body. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lifeless

adjective

life·​less ˈlī-fləs 

: having no life

lifelessly adverb

lifelessness noun