WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
spine•less /ˈspaɪnlɪs/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Zoologyhaving no spine or backbone.
- Zoologyhaving no spines or quills.
- without resolution or courage:He was a spineless coward.
spine•less
(spīn′lis),USA pronunciation adj.
spine′less•ly, adv.
spine′less•ness, n.
- Zoologyhaving no spines or quills.
- Zoologyhaving no spine or backbone.
- Pathologyhaving a weak spine;
limp. - without moral force, resolution, or courage;
feeble:a spineless, lily-livered coward.
- spine + -less 1820–30
spine′less•ness, n.
- 4. weak, irresolute, indecisive.
- 4. strong, resolute.