bonelessness
|bone-less-ness|
🇺🇸
/ˈboʊn.ləs.nəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈbəʊn.ləs.nəs/
without bone; lacking firmness
Etymology
'bonelessness' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'boneless' plus the nominalizing suffix '-ness', where 'bone' derives from Old English 'bān' meaning 'bone', '-less' meant 'without', and '-ness' forms a noun indicating a state or quality.
'bone' came from Old English 'bān' and developed into Middle English 'bone'; 'boneless' (bone + -less) appeared in Middle to Early Modern English to mean 'without bones', and the suffix '-ness' was later added in Modern English to create the abstract noun 'bonelessness'.
Initially it meant 'the condition of being without bones' in a literal, anatomical sense; over time the term has also been used figuratively to denote lack of firmness or resolve.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being without bones; lacking bones (literal, anatomical sense).
The surgeon noted the unusual bonelessness of the specimen during the examination.
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Noun 2
a figurative quality of lacking firmness, structure, or resolve; limpness or flaccidity in manner, policy, or organization.
Critics complained about the government's bonelessness on the issue, calling for firmer action.
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Last updated: 2025/11/07 00:48