'trackless' originates from English, formed by combining the noun 'track' and the suffix '-less'; 'track' ultimately comes via Old French 'trac' (from Late Latin 'tractus'), and the suffix '-less' comes from Old English 'lēas' meaning 'free from, lacking'.

'track' changed from Old French word 'trac' and Middle English forms like 'trak, trake' and eventually became the modern English 'track'; the suffix '-less' comes from Old English 'lēas' and became Middle English '-les', producing compounds like 'trackless' in later English.

Initially, it meant 'without tracks or paths', and over time it retained this literal meaning while also gaining a figurative sense of 'leaving no trace' or 'not easily traced'.