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Definition of witless

witless

/ˈwɪt.ləs/
wit · less
Adverb:witlessly
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witless Lexical Profile

witless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

So startled, terrified, or overwhelmed as to be temporarily deprived of one's senses or composure (chiefly in the phrase 'scared witless').

Example

"The sudden clap of thunder right above the cabin scared the campers witless."

2

Lacking intelligence, common sense, or sound judgment; foolish or mindless.

Example

"The critic dismissed the plot as a series of witless misunderstandings that insulted the audience's intelligence."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for witless

• Nearby Words

within
without
withstand
witless
witlessly
witness
witnesser

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English gewitleas, meaning 'mad' or 'foolish,' formed from wit ('mind, understanding') and the privative suffix -leas ('without').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Witless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/witless
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