Pronunciation: [skˈa͡ɪləs] (IPA) 
"Skyless" is a word that means "without a sky" or "unable to see the sky." It is spelled with the letter "y" instead of "i" because it follows the rule of using "y" instead of "i" when it comes after a consonant sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈskaɪləs/, with the stress on the first syllable "sky" and the second syllable pronounced as "liss."
The term "skyless" refers to a condition or state devoid of a visible sky. It describes a situation or environment where the sky is obscured or concealed from sight, creating an absence or lack of atmospheric visibility. The concept of "skyless" is often used metaphorically to describe regions or situations where the sky is not easily visible due to obstructions, such as tall buildings, heavy pollution, or natural phenomena like fog, thick clouds, or dense forest cover.
The term can also figuratively describe an emotional or psychological state where there is a profound feeling of confinement or limitation, similar to being enclosed or trapped within a space without an open sky. In this sense, "skyless" can describe a sense of claustrophobia, being devoid of inspiration, or lacking a sense of freedom and expansiveness.
Additionally, "skyless" can be applied to fictional or imaginary settings, such as science fiction or dystopian literature, where the usual expanse of the sky is absent or altered. This can contribute to a sense of foreboding, the loss of a familiar visual reference point, or the portrayal of a desolate or constrained world.
Overall, "skyless" encompasses both literal and metaphorical interpretations, illustrating a condition or state of being where the sky is not readily visible, whether it be due to physical obstructions or symbolic limitations.
The word "skyless" is formed by combining the prefix "sky-" and the suffix "-less".
The prefix "sky-" originates from the Old Norse word "ski" or "ský", meaning "cloud". It evolved into the Middle English word "sky" during the 14th century, which referred specifically to the upper regions of the atmosphere, including the celestial dome that appears to envelop the Earth.
The suffix "-less" is derived from the Old English "-leas", meaning lacking or devoid of. It was commonly used to form adjectives from nouns, indicating the absence or deprivation of the quality described by the noun.
Combining these two components, "skyless" denotes a state or condition of lacking or being without a sky.
