Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ɪtləs] (IPA) 
The word "mateless" is spelled with two syllables - "mate" and "less". The first syllable "mate" contains the long "a" sound /eɪ/, and the second syllable "less" contains the short "e" sound /ɛ/. The phonetic transcription of "mateless" is /ˈmeɪt.lɛs/. This word describes someone or something that is without a companion or partner. It can also be used to describe things that are incomplete or lacking certain features.
Mateless is an adjective that describes something or someone without a companion or partner. It refers to a state of being alone, lacking a mate or significant other. The term can be applied to animate beings, such as animals or humans, as well as inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
When used to describe animals, mateless typically refers to individuals that have not found a mate to reproduce with. This can be due to various reasons, such as the absence of suitable partners in their environment, difficulty in finding a compatible mate, or simply a lack of interest or effort in seeking a mate. In the animal kingdom, being mateless may affect an individual's chances of passing on their genes, as reproduction often requires the cooperation and partnership of two individuals.
In the context of humans, mateless can refer to individuals who are single or not in a romantic relationship. It describes those who have not found a life partner or someone with whom they have developed a deep emotional connection. The state of being mateless can invoke various feelings, including loneliness, longing for companionship, or a desire to find love and establish a bond with another person.
In a broader sense, mateless can also describe the absence of a partner or counterpart in a particular context. For example, an object or item that is missing its complementary piece or counterpart can be referred to as mateless. Similarly, in situations where a matching or pairing is expected or required, the absence of such a partner can be described as mateless.
Having no mate or companion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "mateless" is derived from the word "mate", which itself has a complex etymology.
The English word "mate" comes from the Middle English "māt", which ultimately originated from the Old French "mat" or "mas", meaning "checkmate" or "defeated". The Old French term was borrowed from the Arabic word "shāh māt" (شاه مات), meaning "the king is dead".
The origins of "shāh māt" can be traced back to the Persian language, where "shāh" means "king" and "māt" means "died" or "defeated". This term was used in the game of chess, and it referred to the situation when the king is under direct attack and has no move that can prevent capture, resulting in a "checkmate" and the end of the game.
