Thankless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈthaŋk-ləs/ thank·less

Meaning & Definition of Thankless

Thankless (adjective)

  1. not likely to obtain thanks, unappreciated
  2. not expressing or feeling gratitude, ungrateful

Thankless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not showing gratitude

    "a thankless boss who seems oblivious to the extra effort his subordinates have made"

    similar: unappreciative, ungrateful
    related: rude, thoughtless, ungracious
    opposite: appreciative, grateful, obliged, thankful
    near: beholden, indebted, gratified, pleased, courteous, gracious, thoughtful

  2. not likely to be appreciated by those who benefit

    "the thankless job of cleaning up after a party"

    similar: unappreciated, ungrateful
    related: uncredited, underappreciated, underrated, undervalued, unnoticed, unrecognized, unrewarded, unsung, unvalued
    opposite: appreciated
    near: credited, esteemed, honored, prized, recognized, regarded, rewarded, valued, creditable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Thankless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Thankless:

unappreciative, ungrateful, unappreciated

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Thankless

Words with the opposite meaning of Thankless:

appreciative, grateful, obliged, thankful, appreciated

Related Words for Thankless

rude, thoughtless, ungracious, uncredited, underappreciated, underrated, undervalued, unnoticed, unrecognized, unrewarded, unsung, unvalued

Near Antonyms of Thankless

beholden, indebted, gratified, pleased, courteous, gracious, thoughtful, credited, esteemed, honored, prized, recognized, regarded, rewarded, valued, creditable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Word Forms of Thankless

Derived words: thanklessly (adverb), thanklessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Thankless

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Thankless

What does "Thankless" mean?

"Thankless" means not likely to obtain thanks, unappreciated. As an adjective, it is defined as: not likely to obtain thanks, unappreciated. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Thankless"?

Other words for "Thankless" include unappreciative, ungrateful and unappreciated. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Thankless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Thankless"?

There are 15 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Thankless". Common alternatives include unappreciative, ungrateful and unappreciated.

What is the opposite of "Thankless"?

Antonyms of "Thankless" include appreciative, grateful, obliged, thankful and appreciated. Near antonyms include beholden, indebted, gratified and pleased.

How do you use "Thankless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Thankless" in a sentence: "a thankless boss who seems oblivious to the extra effort his subordinates have made"; "the thankless job of cleaning up after a party".

Is "Thankless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Thankless" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Thankless"?

"Thankless" is pronounced /ˈthaŋk-ləs/ and divided into syllables as thank·less.

What is the origin of the word "Thankless"?

First known use: 15th century.