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adj

thankless

Thankless (adj) means not appreciated, despite effort put in. Example: “Cleaning up after everyone else is a thankless job.”

adj
1
Not appreciated, despite effort put in.
"Cleaning up after everyone else is a thankless job."
"Being a referee is often a thankless task."

How to use thankless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes work or effort that goes unrewarded or unnoticed.

Common pairings
thankless task thankless job
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Cleaning up after everyone else is a _____ job.

Etymology

From thank + -less, "without thanks."

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “thankless” mean?

The word “thankless” means not appreciated, despite effort put in. In plain terms, describes work or effort that goes unrewarded or unnoticed.

How do you use “thankless” in a sentence?

Here is “thankless” used in a sentence: “Cleaning up after everyone else is a thankless job.”

What is the opposite of “thankless”?

The opposite of “thankless” — its antonyms — is thankful.

What part of speech is “thankless”?

“Thankless” is an adjective.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial