'characterless' originates from English, formed from the noun 'character' and the suffix '-less,' where 'character' meant 'distinctive mark; moral quality' and '-less' meant 'without.'

'character' entered English via Old French 'caractere' from Latin 'character,' ultimately from Ancient Greek 'kharaktēr' meaning 'engraver, stamp, distinctive mark.' The suffix '-less' comes from Old English '-lēas' meaning 'devoid of, without.' These combined in English to form the modern adjective 'characterless.'

Initially, it meant 'without character' in both senses—without distinguishing features or without moral fiber—and this core meaning has remained largely the same.