Forcelessness

/ˈfɔːrsləsnəs/ noun

Definition

The state or quality of lacking force, power, or effectiveness; weakness or lack of vigor.

Etymology

From forceless + -ness. This combines two nominalizing suffixes in sequence: -less (making a negative adjective) + -ness (making that adjective into a noun describing the condition).

Kelly Says

Stacking suffixes like 'forceless + ness' is efficient but rare—we usually prefer shorter forms. This word shows that English speakers have a choice: say 'weakness' or 'forcelessness,' and we usually pick the simpler version unless we want to emphasize the *lack of force* specifically.

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