bloodless

American  

[bluhd-lis] / ˈblʌd lɪs /

adjective

1. without blood.

   bloodless surgery.

2. very pale.

   a bloodless face.

3. free from bloodshed; accomplished without bloodshed.

   a bloodless victory; a bloodless coup.

4. spiritless; without vigor, zest, or energy.

   a dull, insipid, bloodless young man.

5. without emotion or feeling; cold-hearted.

   bloodless data.

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bloodless British  

/ ˈblʌdlɪs /

adjective

1. without blood

2. conducted without violence (esp in the phrase bloodless revolution )

3. anaemic-looking; pale

4. lacking vitality; lifeless

5. lacking in emotion; cold; unfeeling

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Other Word Forms

• bloodlessly adverb
• bloodlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of bloodless

1175–1225; Middle English blodles, Old English blōdlēas. See blood, -less

Example Sentences

But it does promote order by redirecting the ambitious few into what Mr. Mansfield calls “the bloodless killing of commerce” while reducing the material deprivation that encourages discontent among the many poor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Barre seized power in a bloodless coup in 1969.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

Speaking to The Times of London, King said he required the upcoming film adaptation to show blood, calling the bloodless violence of superhero movies “pornographic.”

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2025

The bloodless procedural “September 5” starts with a scene of Arledge’s ratings genius at work as he orders his crew to cut away from a triumphant winner to their devastated rival.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

He half-closed his eyes and in a moment his face was bloodless once more.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Related Words

• unemotional