Motherless

/ˈmʌðərləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Having lost one's mother; bereft of a mother.
The motherless child looked up at the other families with longing.
Deprived of maternal care or guidance.
She felt motherless in a world where she had to make adult decisions without her mother's advice.
Figuratively deprived of nurturing or comfort often associated with a mother.
In the harsh city, he felt motherless, surrounded by indifference.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'mother' with the suffix '-less' indicating absence.

Common Phrases and Expressions

motherless child
A child who has lost their mother, often used to evoke sympathy.
motherless love
Love that lacks the nurturing and warmth typically associated with a mother.

Related Words

orphan
A child whose parents are deceased.
bereaved
Having lost a loved one, especially through death.

Slang Meanings

An informal term to describe someone who feels neglected or abandoned maternal-wise.
She's acting all motherless after moving out.
Refers to someone having a carefree attitude as if they're unbound by maternal rules.
He was running around like he was motherless at the fair.