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Definitions

rootless

[root-lis, root-] / ˈrut lɪs, ˈrʊt- /
ADJECTIVE
insecure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
frail immature shaky unreliable unstable vulnerable wobbly
STRONG
unsafe
WEAK
defenseless exposed fluctuant hazardous insubstantial loose open to attack perilous rickety rocky unguarded unprotected unshielded unsound unsteady vacillating wavering weak
Antonyms
STRONGEST
firm stable steady strong unshaky
WEAK
certain confident guarded protected safe secure sound sure
ADJECTIVE
shaky
Synonyms
STRONGEST
insecure jittery nervous precarious rickety rocky unsettled unstable unsteady weak wobbly
WEAK
all aquiver aquake aquiver ashake faltering fluctuant infirm jellylike jerry-built not set quaking quivery rattletrap shaking tottering tottery tremorous tremulous tumbledown unfirm unsound unsure vacillating wavering yielding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brave certain confident definite firm guarded happy protected safe secure sound stable steady strong sure
WEAK
indubious unshaky unwavering
ADJECTIVE
tottering
Synonyms
STRONG
exposed loose vacillating wavering
WEAK
defenseless fluctuant frail hazardous immature infirm insubstantial open to attack perilous precarious rickety rocky shaky tottery unguarded unprotected unreliable unsafe unshielded unsound unstable unsteady unsure vulnerable weak wobbly
ADJECTIVE
tottery
Synonyms
WEAK
defenseless exposed fluctuant frail hazardous immature infirm insubstantial loose open to attack perilous precarious rickety rocky shaky tottering unguarded unprotected unreliable unsafe unshielded unsound unstable unsteady unsure vacillating vulnerable wavering weak wobbly
ADJECTIVE
unsure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
distrustful dubious hesitant indecisive mistrustful shaky skeptical suspicious uncertain unclear unconvinced undecided
WEAK
betwixt and between borderline fluctuant fly-by-night iffy in a quandary indeterminate irresolute lacking open problematic touch and go unassured unconfident undependable unreliable unstable untrustworthy untrusty up for grabs vacillating wavering weak wimpy wobbly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
believing certain clear definite determined indubious sure trustworthy trusty undoubted unwavering
WEAK
secure
ADJECTIVE
vagabond
Synonyms
STRONG
down-and-out drifting fly-by-night idle itinerant journeying mendicant moving peripatetic prodigal rambling roaming roving sauntering shifting straggling stray strolling transient travelling unsettled wandering wayfaring
WEAK
aimless destitute errant fancy-free footloose migratory nomadic perambulant perambulatory shiftless wayward
Antonyms
STRONG
fixed permanent settled unmoving
WEAK
inhabiting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Suddenly, she’s brandishing a mop and pail everywhere like a rootless knight without a quest or a horse.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

Breached rootless cones identified in the current study show similar occurrences of polyhydrated sulfates, further suggesting the blistered volcanic blanket may be hiding a vast sheet of glacier ice underneath it.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024

Some of those leftovers are linked to the last-minute installation of rootless trees, two volunteers told The Associated Press.

From Washington Times • Oct. 24, 2023

The fate of my great-grandparents haunted me, and I felt alone with my rootless mourning, separate again.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2022

We were stronger than cold and hunger, stronger than the guns and the desire to die, doomed and rootless, nothing but numbers, we were the only men on earth.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel