boneless
UK: ˈbəʊnləs | US: ˈboʊnləs
adj. lacking bones; without a skeletal structure
adj. (figuratively) weak, lacking strength or resolve
The word "boneless" combines "bone," derived from Old English bān (shared with Germanic languages), with the suffix "-less," from Old English -lēas meaning "devoid of." Originally literal (e.g., "boneless meat"), it later acquired figurative use (e.g., "boneless leadership") to imply feebleness. The morphemes retain clear boundaries in Modern English, making the compound transparent.
The restaurant serves boneless chicken wings for convenience.
His boneless handshake gave a poor first impression.
The fish fillet was completely boneless.
Critics called the policy change a boneless compromise.
She prefers boneless cuts of meat for quicker cooking.