Words / C2

FEKL-uh-s/ˈfekləs/

Feckless means lacking purpose, effort, or a sense of responsibility: a feckless plan, a feckless heir. Irresponsible is everyday; inept stresses lack of skill; lazy is narrower. Strongly disapproving, slightly old-fashioned British. In speech, useless and irresponsible is the charge. Feckless attacks character or a plan’s will, not a single honest mistake. Do not call a tired beginner feckless.

Meaning

Lacking purpose, effort, or a sense of responsibility.

Examples

• “A feckless plan with no dates will fail.”
• “A feckless plan with no dates will fail, however kind the intention.”
• “Feckless leadership left the volunteers to invent a rota at midnight.”

Good to know

Weak, aimless, irresponsible (disapproving). Everyday: irresponsible. Close: inept (skill), lazy (effort). Character or will, not one error. Slightly dated British sting.

Near in meaning

irresponsible

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