'affectionless' originates from the English word 'affection' combined with the suffix '-less', where 'affection' meant 'a gentle feeling of fondness or liking' and '-less' indicates 'without'.

'affection' changed from the Old French word 'affection' and eventually became the modern English word 'affection'.

Initially, 'affection' meant 'a gentle feeling of fondness or liking', and 'affectionless' has maintained the meaning of 'without affection'.