The suffix “-less” is a derivational morpheme in English used to form adjectives. It signifies the absence or lack of something, transforming a noun into an adjective that describes something deprived of that noun’s essence. For instance, “power” becomes “powerless,” indicating a lack of power. Similarly, “home” transforms into “homeless,” describing someone without a home.
This simple yet powerful suffix plays a significant role in enriching the English lexicon, allowing for nuanced descriptions of states of being or characteristics. Its origins can be traced back to Old English, demonstrating its longstanding presence and importance in the language. The ability to concisely convey the absence of a quality or thing contributes to clearer and more efficient communication. This is particularly valuable in literature, legal writing, and technical documentation where precision and clarity are paramount.
