Feckless

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Feckless?

adjective
Lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˈfɛk.ləs/
UK pronunciation: /ˈfɛk.ləs/
Slow pronunciation: FEK-luss

Meaning Explained

Feckless blends inefficiency with a hint of moral shrug — work without will.

Why This Word?

Chosen to warn against drift when stakes are high.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • The plan was feckless in the face of crisis.
  • He shook off his feckless habits at last.
  • Feckless leadership drifted from scandal to scandal.

Word Origins

Scots, from “feck” (effect, efficacy) + -less

Opposes “feckful,” now rare.

First appearance in English: late 16th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Adjective: ineffectual

    Ineffectual policies failed again.

  • Adjective: shiftless

    Shiftless days slid by.

  • Adjective: listless

    Listless workers waited for direction.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: ineficaz / irresponsable
  • French: inefficace / veule
  • German: unfähig / willenlos
  • Italian: inefficiente / inetto
  • Portuguese: ineficiente / apático

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Inept

Skill-lacking; feckless adds willpower lacking.

Reckless

Careless boldness; feckless is apathetic weakness.

Indolent

Lazy; feckless is ineffective and unresponsible.

Fun Facts

  • “Feck” once meant “value” or “effect” in Scots.
  • In some dialects “feck” survives as a mild exclamation unrelated to the Scots noun.

Cultural Usage

  • Editorials decry feckless governance during emergencies.
  • Novels caricature feckless heirs and idlers.

Common Mistakes

Not “reckless,” though the outcomes may align.

Micro Story

A feckless response squandered public trust.