'formlessly' originates from English, built on Latin 'forma' ('shape') via Middle English 'form', plus Old English suffixes '-lēas' ('without') and '-līċe' ('in the manner of').

'forma' entered Middle English as 'form(e)' via Old French, combined with OE-derived suffixes '-less' and later '-ly', and eventually became the modern English word 'formlessly'.

Initially, it meant 'in a manner without (physical) form or shape,' but it broadened to include 'without clear structure or organization' in abstract contexts.