"Thanklessness" is a nine-letter word that refers to the absence or lack of gratitude or appreciation. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈθæŋkləsnəs/. The initial "th" sound is spelled with the digraph "th", and the vowel sound in the first syllable is spelled with the letter "a". The "k" sound is spelled with the letter "k", and the final syllable ends with the common suffix "-ness" spelled with the letters "n-e-s-s". This word highlights the importance of expressing gratitude in our daily lives.
Thanklessness refers to the state or quality of lacking gratitude or appreciation, typically towards someone who has done something kind, helpful, or generous. It is the opposite of gratitude, where one fails to acknowledge or express thanks for the favors or kindness received from others.
This term can describe a person's character or attitude, suggesting an ungrateful and unappreciative nature. It may manifest in various ways, such as failing to express thanks verbally, neglecting to show appreciation through actions, or showing indifference towards the efforts and sacrifices made by others on one's behalf. Thanklessness can be seen as a negative quality, as it disregards the value of the benefactor's efforts and can undermine relationships and social connections by creating feelings of disappointment or resentment.
Thanklessness can be encountered in different contexts, ranging from personal relationships to professional settings. For instance, an employee who consistently fails to appreciate their coworkers' contributions or a child who does not express gratitude for their parents' love and care may be labeled as thankless individuals. The term can also be used to reference a general lack of gratitude within a society or community, highlighting an absence of acknowledgement for the collective efforts or support received.
Overall, thanklessness represents an ingratitude that disregards the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the kindness and assistance provided by others.
The state of being thankless; ingratitude.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "thanklessness" is derived from the noun "thanks", which dates back to the 13th century and is of Proto-Germanic origin. In Old English, the word was "þanc", and it was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "tong-", which means "to think" or "to feel". Originally, "thanks" referred to the act of thinking or feeling gratitude.
The suffix "-less" is added to "thanks" to form the word "thanklessness". "-Less" is a productive suffix in English, often attached to nouns to create an adjective or noun indicating the absence or lack of something. In this case, "thanklessness" denotes the state or quality of being without thanks or gratitude.