Headless
/ˈhɛdləs/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving no head; decapitated.
/ˈhɛdləs/
Lacking a head
The headless statue stood in the center of the museum.
💡 Simply: Imagine a toy soldier that's lost its head. That soldier is headless! It's like when a snowman melts and loses its carrot nose.
👶 For kids: Something that doesn't have a head, like a doll whose head fell off!
More Examples
The headless chicken ran around the farm for a short time.
How It's Used
"The headless mannequin displayed the latest fashion trends."
"The legend spoke of a headless horseman riding through the night."
Lacking a leader or direction; without effective control.
/ˈhɛdləs/
Lacking a leader or control
The company was headless for several months during the transition.
💡 Simply: Think of a team without a captain. They might be running around without a clear plan, kind of like a headless chicken. It's a situation that lacks leadership or direction.
👶 For kids: When there's no one in charge, it's like the group is headless!
More Examples
A headless organization often struggles to make decisions.
How It's Used
"The country was left headless after the unexpected resignation of the Prime Minister."
"The project became headless due to the sudden departure of the project manager."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
headless chicken
Someone who is frantically busy or disorganized, often without a clear purpose or direction.
"After the announcement, the staff ran around like a headless chicken."
From Old English *hēafodlēas*, meaning 'without a head'. The word reflects the literal sense of lacking a head, and by extension, metaphorical meanings related to lack of leadership or control.
The word has been used since the 16th century, evolving from a literal descriptor to a metaphorical one representing lack of leadership or control.
Memory tip
Think of a scarecrow missing its head to remember this word.
Word Origin
"without a head"