feckless

adjective

ˈfek-ləs How to pronounce feckless (audio)
Definition of fecklessnext
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result a well-intentioned but feckless response to the rise in school violence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of feckless Forming a task force to address immigrant discrimination is simultaneously offensive and feckless. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 9 June 2026 Bowing to Trump, feckless state legislators have unconstitutionally gerrymandered Democratic-leaning congressional districts out of existence. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026 The progressive left counts Rabb’s success as one of its biggest victories of the year and the latest warning sign that Democratic voters see the party’s leadership as weak and feckless in countering Trump. — Marc Levy, Fortune, 23 May 2026 Increasingly, that’s something the often feckless Republican Party is unwilling to do. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for feckless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feckless
  1. unsuccessful
  2. inefficient
  3. ineffectual
  4. counterproductive
Adjective
  • Steyer, a Democratic billionaire who spent more than $215 million of his own money in his unsuccessful bid for governor, took fire from rivals for paying content creators.
    — Sophie Austin, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Multiple attempts by Star reporters to contact McGee Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful.
    — Ilana Arougheti Updated August 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • Canada’s crypto laws are already burdensome enough, but they are also layered on top of a fragmented and inefficient system of securities regulation.
    — Karia Samaroo, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Many homeowners unknowingly waste significant money on utility bills due to inefficient HVAC systems, which account for up to 40% of home energy use.
    — Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of inefficient
Adjective
  • Lekkerimäki, effectively, is both undersized, struggles to maintain possession of the puck along the wall, is an ineffectual defender and isn’t quick or fast enough to create the separation required to leverage his offensive tools against checkers.
    — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 June 2026
  • In Australia, a similar ban has proven almost totally ineffectual.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 20 June 2026
Definition of ineffectual
Adjective
  • But worse, military action in Mexico would ultimately be counterproductive in the fight against drug cartels.
    — Chris Shays, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, glorifying sleep deprivation is counterproductive; prioritizing sleep is key for career longevity and productivity, while chronic insomnia leads to impaired judgment and hinders professional growth.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of counterproductive

Browse Nearby Words

feces
feckless
feckly
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Cite this Entry

“Feckless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feckless. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on feckless

Nglish: Translation of feckless for Spanish Speakers

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