What does sexless mean?
Sexless is an adjective meaning that something has no discernible sexual characteristics, or that it lacks sexual appeal and erotic interest. The word can describe a person, character, image, object, organism, or biological structure. In descriptions of people and cultural representations, sexless often suggests neutrality or the avoidance of conventional gender signals. It is also used in biology to refer to organisms or reproductive structures that do not possess distinct male and female forms. The suffix -less means “without,” so sexless literally combines “sex” with “without.” Although the word can be used neutrally in descriptive or analytical contexts, its application to people may prompt discussion of gender roles or social conventions. Sexless is related to sexual and sexuality, but it generally denotes the absence of sexual characteristics rather than the broader category of things connected with sex.
adjectiveHaving no apparent sexual characteristics or attributes; lacking sexual appeal or distinguishing features.
- Having no apparent sexual characteristics or attributes.
- Lacking sexual appeal or erotic interest.
- Existing or occurring without distinction between male and female forms.
"The species is notable for its sexless, faintly luminous appearance."
"The sculpture was deliberately sexless, presenting an ambiguous human figure."
"The biologist explained that the organism reproduces through a sexless form of division."
From sex plus the suffix -less, sexless literally means “without sex,” but in ordinary use it often describes an object, character, or image as simply devoid of sexual appeal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sexless come from?
Sexless was formed in English by combining sex with the suffix -less, meaning “without.” The noun sex comes from Latin sexus, a designation that also underlies related English forms such as sexual and sexuality. The compound developed in the 19th century and was initially used especially in biological description before becoming common in general discussion of characters, images, and appearances.
Related word forms
How sexless is actually used
The term is descriptive and generally neutral, though discussions of people or representations may carry implications about gender, identity, or social expectations. In biology, it describes organisms or structures lacking distinct male and female forms.
Easily confused with sexless
Sexual means having or relating to sex, whereas sexless means lacking sexual characteristics or distinguishing male and female forms.