voiceless

[ vois-lis ]

adjective

1. having no voice; mute.
2. uttering no words; silent.
3. having an unmusical voice.
4. unspoken; unuttered:

   voiceless sympathy.

5. having no vote or right of choice.
6. Phonetics. (of a speech sound)
   1. without voice; unvoiced; surd; aphonic ( voiced ):

      “p,” “f,” and “s” are voiceless.

   2. uttered without phonation.

voiceless

/ ˈvɔɪslɪs /

adjective

1. without a voice; mute
2. not articulated

   voiceless misery

3. lacking a musical voice
4. silent
5. without the power or right to express an opinion
6. phonetics articulated without accompanying vibration of the vocal cords

   in English (p) is a voiceless consonant

Derived Forms

• ˈvoicelessly, adverb
• ˈvoicelessness, noun

Other Words From

• voiceless·ly adverb
• voiceless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of voiceless¹

First recorded in 1525–35; voice + -less

Example Sentences

While Biles’ schedule does not allow her to serve as a mentor right now, she says her role is “to be a voice for the voiceless and just to advocate for these kids and for the organization, put their name out there and grow their chapters.”

From Los Angeles Times

"We remain powerless and voiceless in determining our own future", he said, and called for the full inclusion of Chagossians in drafting the treaty.

From BBC

Seven years later, though, Dubois has transformed from a sheepish, sometimes voiceless, character to a fighter demanding respect.

From BBC

I want to give a voice to the voiceless.

From BBC

“It gives people who feel voiceless some representation, especially since this issue has been pushed to the side at the DNC,” he said.

From Slate