thankless

adjective

thank·​less ˈthaŋk-ləs How to pronounce thankless (audio)
1
: not likely to obtain thanks : unappreciated
a thankless task
2
: not expressing or feeling gratitude : ungrateful
how sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless childWilliam Shakespeare
thanklessly adverb
thanklessness noun

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, Katie Holmes fulfills an almost thankless role, granted little time to shine as Mrs. Webb, but provides a grounding presence as the practical mother of two. Shania Russell, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024 Typically, they are paid much less than their male counterparts for backbreaking and often thankless labor, while also being expected to run their family’s household. Christina Pickard, Bon Appétit, 3 Oct. 2024 There is also, it must be said, something thankless in Jenna Elfman’s role as the apple of both men’s eyes. Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 Record keeping is one of the most time consuming and thankless roles of a communications team. Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thankless 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thankless was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Thankless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thankless. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

thankless

adjective
thank·​less ˈthaŋ-kləs How to pronounce thankless (audio)
1
: not appreciated by others
a thankless job
2
: not showing or feeling gratitude
thanklessly adverb
thanklessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on thankless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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