Joyless is a six-letter word that is spelled /ˈdʒɔɪ.ləs/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The word is a combination of two distinct parts: the first being the root word "joy" and the second being the suffix "-less". The root word joy is pronounced with a /dʒ/ sound, followed by a long /ɔɪ/ sound. The suffix -less is pronounced with a schwa /ə/ sound, followed by a soft /l/ sound and a silent /s/ sound. Together, the word joyless means lacking joy or happiness.
Joyless can be defined as an adjective that describes a state or condition characterized by the absence or lack of joy, happiness, or pleasure. When someone or something is joyless, they exhibit a lack of enthusiasm, positivity, or contentment. This term implies a feeling of emptiness, sorrow, or dispiritedness.
A joyless individual often experiences little or no delight in their life, seeming uninterested or unaffected by pleasurable events or situations. They may display a general sense of unhappiness, melancholy, or detachment from the world around them. A joyless person may appear perpetually gloomy, with a lack of smiles, laughter, or excitement.
In a broader context, joyless can be used to describe an environment, experience, or situation that is devoid of happiness or pleasure. For example, a joyless workplace may be marked by a lack of camaraderie, job satisfaction, or positive interactions, which can contribute to a dismal atmosphere. Similarly, a joyless experience, such as a dull party or an unfulfilling vacation, leaves one feeling unenthusiastic or unfulfilled.
Overall, "joyless" refers to a state or quality characterized by the absence of joy, conveying a sense of bleakness, discontent, or unhappiness.
Destitute of joy; giving no pleasure or joy; giving no pleasure or joy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "joyless" originated from the combination of two components: "joy" and the suffix "-less".
"Joy" is derived from the Old French word "joie", which further traces back to the Latin word "gaudia" meaning "rejoice" or "enjoyment".
The suffix "-less" means "without" or "lacking". It is used to form adjectives by negating or denoting the absence of the quality expressed by the root word. In the case of "joyless", it signifies the absence or lack of joy.