Toothless

/ˈtuːθləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Lacking teeth or having few teeth.

The old dog was toothless but still very playful.

Figuratively, lacking the power or effectiveness to take action.

The committee's recommendations were toothless and had no real impact on policy.

Referring to someone or something that has lost its ability to challenge or resist.

The once formidable empire became toothless after years of mismanagement and defeat.

From tooth + -less.

toothless grin

A smile made by someone without teeth, often used to evoke sympathy or humor.

toothless tiger

An entity that appears powerful but is in fact ineffective.

edentulous

Having lost all natural teeth.

gums

The soft tissue that covers the jawbones and holds teeth.

Someone who is ineffective or powerless.

His threats were toothless, no one took him seriously.

A term used to describe someone's lack of bite in arguments or debates.

Her arguments were so toothless, they didn't hold any weight.