will-less

[ wil-lis ]

adjective

1. having or exerting no will:

   a timid, will-less little man.

2. done or occurring without the will; involuntary:

   a will-less compliance.

3. leaving no will; intestate:

   to die will-less.

Other Words From

• will-less·ly adverb
• will-less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of will-less¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Beatrice, however, with the placid navet of her will-less temperament, flies to Filippo.

From Project Gutenberg

Horrible—this will-less, nerveless feeling, this paralysis, as if he were a puppet moved by a cruel hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Never before had he had so strange a sense of being a will-less puppet in the hands of destiny.

From Project Gutenberg

He became a mere puppet, acting in accordance to principles that were not his own, automatic, will-less.

From Project Gutenberg

And he was like one of the last year's leaves before him, whirled helpless and will-less in the dust-storm of the road!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• compulsory
• forced
• spontaneous
• uncontrolled
• unintentional