How Do You Spell SHIFTLESSNESS?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɪftləsnəs] (IPA)

The word "shiftlessness" refers to a person's lack of initiative or ambition. It is spelled using the /ʃ/ sound at the beginning, followed by the vowel sound /ɪ/ and the consonant cluster /ft/. The second syllable consists of the /l/ sound followed by the vowel /ɛ/ and the /s/ sound. Lastly, the suffix "-ness" is added to indicate the quality or state of being shiftless. The IPA transcription for "shiftlessness" is /ˈʃɪftləsnəs/.

SHIFTLESSNESS Meaning and Definition

1. Shiftlessness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being without purpose, ambition, or direction, characterized by a lack of effort or productivity. It describes a person's tendency to exhibit laziness, idleness, or an absence of motivation to engage in meaningful activities. A shiftless individual often appears apathetic, disinterested, or unwilling to exert themselves in pursuit of goals or responsibilities.

   This term can extend beyond a mere reluctance to work and encompasses a broader sense of aimlessness or inertia in one's life. Shiftlessness may manifest in the form of procrastination, frequent job changes, or an inability to maintain steady relationships or commitments. The shiftless person may lack the drive to seek personal growth or actively make improvements in their circumstances.

   Shiftlessness is often associated with negative outcomes in personal and professional spheres. It can result in missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with life. Moreover, shiftlessness can be perceived as a character trait that reflects a lack of discipline, self-motivation, and determination.

   Synonyms of shiftlessness include indolence, slothfulness, lethargy, and inertia. Antonyms, on the other hand, include industriousness, ambition, motivation, and diligence. Overall, shiftlessness denotes a lack of purposeful action, energy, or initiative, implying a stagnant or unproductive state of being.

2. A state of being shiftless.

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

Common Misspellings for SHIFTLESSNESS

• ahiftlessness
• zhiftlessness
• xhiftlessness
• dhiftlessness
• ehiftlessness
• whiftlessness
• sgiftlessness
• sbiftlessness
• sniftlessness
• sjiftlessness
• suiftlessness
• syiftlessness
• shuftlessness
• shjftlessness
• shkftlessness
• shoftlessness
• sh9ftlessness
• sh8ftlessness
• shidtlessness
• siftlessness
• shiftlesness
• shfitlessness
• spirtlessness
• thirftlessness
• shiftlesnes
• saintlessness

Etymology of SHIFTLESSNESS

The word "shiftlessness" is derived from the base word "shiftless" which originated in the early 17th century. It combines the noun "shift", meaning a means or scheme for accomplishing something, with the suffix "-less" which denotes the absence or lack of something. The term "shiftless" initially meant lacking resourcefulness, cunning, or initiative, implying a person's inability or unwillingness to make an effort or take responsibility. Over time, this evolved into the noun "shiftlessness", which refers to the state or quality of being shiftless.

Similar spelling word for SHIFTLESSNESS

• spotlessness.

Plural form of SHIFTLESSNESS is SHIFTLESSNESSES