feckless
feckless
Pronunciation
/ˈfek.ləs/
fek:
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
/e/ - mid-front unrounded vowel (as in "bed")
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
ləs:
/l/ - approximant lateral consonant
/ə/ - mid-central vowel (schwa sound, as in "about")
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
fecklessly: This is the adverb form, meaning "in a feckless manner." For example, "He handled the project fecklessly."
fecklessness: This is the noun form, referring to the state or quality of being feckless. For example, "His fecklessness led to the project's failure."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective (feckless):
Definition 1: Lacking in initiative, responsibility, or strength of character; generally incompetent or ineffective. Describes someone unable or unwilling to take effective action.
Synonyms: irresponsible, inept, aimless, shiftless, useless, worthless, incompetent, ineffective, lazy, negligent, careless, apathetic, indolent
Antonyms: responsible, competent, effective, capable, efficient, conscientious, diligent, industrious, reliable, dependable, resourceful, purposeful
Adverb (fecklessly):
Definition: In a feckless manner; without initiative, responsibility, or competence.
Synonyms: irresponsibly, ineptly, aimlessly, shiftlessly, uselessly, incompetently, ineffectively, lazily, negligently, carelessly, apathetically, indolently
Antonyms: responsibly, competently, effectively, efficiently, conscientiously, diligently, industriously, reliably, dependably, resourcefully, purposefully
Noun (fecklessness):
Definition: The state or quality of being feckless; lack of initiative, responsibility, or competence.
Synonyms: irresponsibility, ineptitude, aimlessness, shiftlessness, uselessness, incompetence, ineffectiveness, laziness, negligence, carelessness, apathy, indolence
Antonyms: responsibility, competence, effectiveness, efficiency, conscientiousness, diligence, industriousness, reliability, dependability, resourcefulness, purposefulness
Examples of Use
Literature:
"He was a feckless youth, drifting from one ill-considered scheme to another." (This is a hypothetical example, as the word isn't incredibly common in classic literature, but it illustrates a typical literary usage). Feckless is more likely to appear in modern or contemporary works exploring themes of apathy or societal breakdown.
News/Online Publications:
"The government's feckless approach to the crisis has only exacerbated the problem." (Hypothetical example; news outlets often use stronger, more direct language, but this demonstrates how "feckless" might be used to describe ineffective governance). You're more likely to find it in opinion pieces or analyses.
"Critics slammed the film's feckless plot and underdeveloped characters." (Hypothetical example, but illustrates its use in reviews).
Entertainment:
"That feckless character always manages to mess things up, but somehow he's still endearing." (Hypothetical example; "feckless" can be applied to comedic characters who are incompetent but likable). It could easily describe a sitcom character or a figure in a novel.
General Public Discourse:
"I'm so frustrated with his fecklessness. He never follows through on anything." (This is a plausible example of how the word might be used in everyday conversation).
"The fecklessness of some of these so-called leaders is astounding." (This illustrates its use in expressing disapproval or criticism).
10 Famous Quotes Using Feckless
“A feckless attempt at greatness teaches more than a timid refusal to try.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said a feckless leader causes twice the harm with half the effort.” (Unknown)
“History is littered with feckless decisions made in haste.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that love grows weary under feckless promises.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions stall when guided by feckless ambition instead of integrity.” (Unknown)
“Do not let feckless doubts derail purposeful action.” (Unknown)
“Success requires discipline; the feckless chase shortcuts.” (Unknown)
“A community suffers most under feckless stewardship.” (Unknown)
“Wisdom is born when we abandon feckless habits for intentional living.” (Unknown)
“Hope falters only when we become feckless with it.” (Unknown)
Etymology
Feck: This word, now somewhat archaic, originally meant "effect," "value," or "strength." Think of it as the opposite of "ineffective." It's related to the Scottish word "feck," which still has this meaning.
-less: This is a common suffix in English that means "without." Think of words like "careless," "homeless," or "fearless."
So, put them together: "feckless" literally means "without feck," or "without effect," "without value," or "without strength." It describes someone who is weak, ineffective, and lacks purpose or responsibility.
While pinpointing the very first use of the word is difficult, it appears to have emerged in the 16th century. Its initial meaning was very close to the literal combination of its parts, referring to a lack of effectiveness or strength. Over time, the meaning evolved slightly to emphasize the character flaws associated with this lack of effectiveness, such as irresponsibility, laziness, and a general lack of initiative. So, while it started as more of a description of ability, it shifted to become more of a description of character.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Feckless
Phrases playing on the meaning of "feckless":
"Feckless and fancy-free": This isn't a standard idiom, but it plays on the alliteration and the idea of someone irresponsible and carefree. It suggests a lack of worry, sometimes to a fault.
"The feckless few": This could be used to describe a small group of individuals who are irresponsible or ineffective, particularly in a context where their actions have consequences for others.
"Feckless in the face of adversity": This phrase highlights a lack of resilience or ability to cope with challenges.
Idioms using synonyms for a similar effect:
"To be a deadbeat": This idiom describes someone who avoids their responsibilities, especially financial ones. It shares the sense of irresponsibility with "feckless."
"To be a slacker": This refers to someone who is lazy and avoids work. It captures the aspect of "feckless" that relates to a lack of initiative.
"To be all talk and no action": This idiom describes someone who makes promises but doesn't follow through. It relates to the ineffectiveness implied by "feckless."
"To drop the ball": This idiom means to make a mistake, often by failing to do something important. It connects to the idea of incompetence associated with "feckless."
"To be a lost cause": This describes someone unlikely to succeed or improve, often due to their own lack of effort or ability. It shares the sense of hopelessness that can be associated with extreme fecklessness.
"To be a feather in the wind": This isn't a perfect synonym, but it evokes a similar feeling of aimlessness and lack of control over one's destiny, which can be a consequence of being feckless.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of feckless from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
