What does lipless mean?
Lipless is an uncommon adjective whose literal meaning is that something has no lips. It may describe a person, creature, face, mouth, or other form depicted without lips. In figurative use, lipless means unable to speak because of shock, surprise, awe, or a powerful emotional response, as in a phrase such as “the audience was lipless.” The word combines the everyday noun lip with the suffix -less, meaning “without” or “lacking.” Its figurative sense is more readily understood than its literal one, but it remains vivid because it gives a physical image to the idea of being struck silent. Although not common in everyday conversation, it can be effective in literary description and dramatic narration. It should not be confused with listless, which describes a lack of energy or interest.
adjectiveHaving no lips. Figuratively, unable to speak or express a response.
- Having no lips.
- Figuratively, speechless or unable to express a response.
"The strange creature was depicted with a broad, lipless face."
"The mask had dark eye holes and a lipless mouth."
"For a moment, the entire audience was lipless."
Remove the lips, and silence can take on a face of its own.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lipless
Lipless is a modern English compound formed from lip and the suffix -less, meaning “without” or “lacking.” The same productive suffix appears in many English words describing the absence of a quality or possession. Its figurative development, in which physical speechlessness is imagined as an absence of lips, extends the literal meaning of the compound.
Related word forms
How lipless is actually used
The word is relatively uncommon. Its figurative sense conveys being rendered speechless by surprise, shock, or emotion, rather than merely lacking lips.
Easily confused with lipless
Lipless means literally without lips or figuratively unable to speak, whereas listless means lacking energy or enthusiasm.