colorless

[ kuhl-er-lis ]

adjective

1. without color:

   Pure water is colorless.

2. pallid; dull in color:

   a colorless complexion.

3. lacking vividness or distinctive character; dull; insipid:

   a colorless description of the parade.

   Synonyms: unexciting, lackluster, drab, dreary

4. unbiased; neutral.

Other Words From

• color·less·ly adverb
• color·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of colorless¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; color, -less

Example Sentences

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, highly toxic gas with the odor of rotten eggs.

From Los Angeles Times

The city’s dirtiest cop was also the most colorless, with a forgettable face and a personality as vague as fog.

From Los Angeles Times

Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is a colorless liquid that emits a toxic vapor that has killed at least 88 workers since 1980, the EPA said.

From Seattle Times

The researchers suggest that adding small amounts of ferrihydrite-like or other colorless biocompatible iron minerals to dental care products could provide exceptional protection for human tooth enamel.

From Science Daily

This colorless, odorless gas is emitted from the breakdown of radioactive material naturally occurring underground that then seeps through building foundations.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• dreary
• dull
• lackluster