normless
|norm-less|
🇺🇸
/ˈnɔrm.ləs/
🇬🇧
/ˈnɔːm.ləs/
without norms/standards
Etymology
'normless' originates from English compounding: the noun 'norm' plus the adjectival suffix '-less' (meaning 'without'). 'Norm' itself comes ultimately from Latin 'norma' meaning 'a carpenter's square, rule.'
'norm' entered English via Medieval Latin/Old French ('norma' / 'norme') meaning 'rule' or 'standard'. The productive Old English/Old Germanic-derived suffix '-less' (from Old English 'lēas' meaning 'free from' or 'without') combined with 'norm' in modern English to form 'normless'.
Originally 'norm' meant a physical rule or standard (e.g. a carpenter's square); over time it shifted to mean a social or behavioural standard. 'Normless' therefore evolved to mean 'without social or behavioural standards.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lacking established norms or standards; not governed by social rules or customary expectations (often used to describe societies, situations, or behaviours that have no clear norms).
After rapid social upheaval, many felt they were living in a normless environment where old rules no longer applied.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/26 03:57