feckless
UK: ˈfɛkləs | US: ˈfɛkləs
adj. lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible
adj. ineffective; feeble
feckless = feck<effect, value> + less<without>
- feck: Scots variant of "effect," derived from Middle English fek (shortened form of effect), ultimately from Latin effectus (result, outcome). In Scots, "feck" came to mean "value" or "vigor."
- less: Old English suffix -lēas, meaning "without" or "lacking."
Etymology Origin:
The word "feckless" originated in 16th-century Scots, combining "feck" (a colloquial shortening of "effect") with the suffix "-less." Originally, it implied "without effect" or "useless," but over time, it evolved to describe someone lacking purpose, energy, or responsibility. The term reflects a vivid linguistic economy—using a clipped form of "effect" to critique ineptitude.
His feckless attitude toward work led to repeated failures.
The feckless leader left the team directionless.
She grew frustrated with her feckless attempts to organize the event.
Critics dismissed the plan as feckless and impractical.
A feckless government fails to address urgent crises.