How Do You Spell SHIFTLESS?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɪftləs] (IPA)

The word "shiftless" is spelled phonetically as /ˈʃɪftlɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "shif" with a short "i" sound and a soft "f" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "lis" with a short "i" sound and a sibilant "s" sound. The word means lacking in ambition or resourcefulness and is often used to describe someone who is lazy or unreliable. It is important to spell this word correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

SHIFTLESS Meaning and Definition

1. Shiftless is an adjective that describes a person who lacks ambition, motivation, or industriousness. They display a habitual laziness and a general unwillingness to make an effort or take responsibility for their actions or circumstances. Shiftless individuals often possess a lack of direction or purpose in life, making little or no effort to improve their situation or contribute to society.

   This term can also describe someone who frequently shirks their duties or obligations, displaying a consistent pattern of avoiding work or evading responsibility. They may exhibit a disregard for deadlines, procrastinate frequently, or find excuses to avoid carrying out assignments or tasks. In essence, shiftless individuals tend to be unreliable, unproductive, and unwilling to put forth the necessary effort to accomplish their goals or fulfill their obligations.

   Furthermore, shiftless can also refer to a person's inefficient use of time and resources. These individuals often exhibit a lack of initiative or resourcefulness, relying on others to solve problems or provide for their needs. They may fail to make effective use of available opportunities or neglect to take advantage of potential advancement in their personal or professional lives.

   Overall, the term shiftless captures a person's lack of ambition, motivation, and industriousness, indicating a general unwillingness to make an effort, take responsibility, or improve their circumstances.

2. Destitute of expedients to provide for one's self, or to use means requisite for success.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SHIFTLESS

• shiftes
• shiffles
• shiftss
• liftless
• ahiftless
• zhiftless
• xhiftless
• dhiftless
• ehiftless
• whiftless
• sgiftless
• sbiftless
• shittless
• shiftlese
• shiftles
• swiftles
• thiftness
• schittless
• shittlebus
• shiftlesnes
• Shiflleses

Etymology of SHIFTLESS

The word "shiftless" traces its origins to the Middle English period of the English language. It is derived from the combination of two words: "shift" and the suffix "-less".

The term "shift" originally referred to an action of shifting or changing, often used in relation to garments or clothes. It came from the Old English word "sciftan", meaning "to arrange" or "to divide". Over time, the meaning of "shift" expanded to include other types of changes or adjustments.

The suffix "-less" is a productive suffix in English that is added to nouns or adjectives to indicate the absence or lack of something. In the case of "shiftless", the suffix "-less" is attached to "shift", creating a word that means "lacking shift", "without change", or "lacking the ability to adjust or adapt".