adjective

stateless

STAYT-lis

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Stateless (adjective) means of a system, protocol or process, not keeping any record of what happened in previous requests. Example: “The API is stateless, so each request must carry all the information the server needs.”

adjective

Of a system, protocol or process, not keeping any record of what happened in previous requests.

"The API is stateless, so each request must carry all the information the server needs."

"Stateless functions make it easier to scale a web service across many servers."

"Because HTTP is stateless, cookies are used to remember a user between page loads."

Not recognised as a citizen of any country, and so without the legal protection of a state.

"Thousands of refugees were left stateless after the collapse of the old regime."

"A stateless person cannot get a passport because no country claims them as a citizen."

"The charity supports stateless children born in refugee camps."

How to use stateless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving no memory of what came before, whether that's a computer system or a person without a nationality.

When to use it

Neutral and technical in tone, common in both computing and legal or political writing.

Memory tip

In computing, stateless is usually taught alongside its opposite, stateful, so learn the pair together.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

stateless protocol stateless architecture stateless refugee stateless person

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The API is _____, so each request must carry all the information the server needs.

Etymology

Formed in English from the word state with the suffix -less added to it, giving the meaning 'without a state'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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homeless

Antonyms

stateful

Related words

homeless dispossessed houseless

Rhymes for stateless

useless ageless wireless hopeless homeless tireless careless lifeless baseless clueless timeless loveless

See all rhymes for stateless →

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean for a computer system to be stateless?

It means the system keeps no memory of earlier requests, so each new request must include everything needed to handle it.

What is a stateless person?

Someone who is not recognised as a citizen by any country, and so lacks the legal protection a state normally gives.

What is the opposite of stateless in computing?

Stateful, which describes a system that does keep track of information between interactions.

What is the meaning of stateless?

"stateless" (adjective) means of a system, protocol or process, not keeping any record of what happened in previous requests.

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homeless dispossessed houseless