adj Uncommon

speechless

SPEECH-lihs

Speechless (adj) means unable to speak, especially because of shock, surprise, or strong emotion. Example: “She was speechless when she opened the door and saw everyone waiting.”

adj

Unable to speak, especially because of shock, surprise, or strong emotion.

"She was speechless when she opened the door and saw everyone waiting."

"He was left speechless by the unexpected award."

How to Use Speechless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo shocked or moved that you can't find any words.

Common pairings

struck speechless left speechless speechless with rage

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Fill the Gap

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She was _____ when she opened the door and saw everyone waiting.

Etymology

From Old English sprǣċlēas, built from "speech" plus "-less" ("without").

Origin: Old English

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “speechless” mean?

The word “speechless” means unable to speak, especially because of shock, surprise, or strong emotion. In plain terms, so shocked or moved that you can't find any words.

How do you pronounce “speechless”?

“Speechless” is pronounced SPEECH-lihs (/ˈspiːt͡ʃ.lɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “speechless” in a sentence?

Here is “speechless” used in a sentence: “She was speechless when she opened the door and saw everyone waiting.”

What part of speech is “speechless”?

“Speechless” is an adjective.

Where does the word “speechless” come from?

The word “speechless” comes from Old English. From Old English sprǣċlēas, built from "speech" plus "-less" ("without").

Is “speechless” a common word?

“Speechless” is an uncommon word in modern English.