thankless
adjective
thank·less
ˈthaŋk-ləs 
1
: not likely to obtain thanks : unappreciated
a thankless task
2
: not expressing or feeling gratitude : ungrateful
how sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
thanklessly
adverb
thanklessness
noun
Examples of thankless in a Sentence
a thankless boss who seems oblivious to the extra effort his subordinates have made
the thankless job of cleaning up after a party
Recent Examples on the Web
Initially a program wunderkind, Swanson bided her time playing more thankless roles for the team, including full-back, earning a spot on the 2019 World Cup champions’ roster as its second-youngest player.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024
It’s often said that working in college mental health is a thankless job.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, Katie Holmes fulfills an almost thankless role, granted little time to shine as Mrs. Webb, but provides a grounding presence as the practical mother of two.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024
Typically, they are paid much less than their male counterparts for backbreaking and often thankless labor, while also being expected to run their family’s household.
—Christina Pickard, Bon Appétit, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thankless 
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Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024
It’s often said that working in college mental health is a thankless job.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, Katie Holmes fulfills an almost thankless role, granted little time to shine as Mrs. Webb, but provides a grounding presence as the practical mother of two.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024
Typically, they are paid much less than their male counterparts for backbreaking and often thankless labor, while also being expected to run their family’s household.
—Christina Pickard, Bon Appétit, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thankless
Dictionary Entries Near thankless
Cite this Entry
“Thankless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thankless. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thankless
adjective
thank·less
ˈthaŋ-kləs
1
: not appreciated by others
a thankless job
2
: not showing or feeling gratitude
thanklessly
adverb
thanklessness
noun
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