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Definitions

thankless

[thangk-lis] / ˈθæŋk lɪs /
ADJECTIVE
unappreciated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fruitless futile unpleasant
STRONG
ungrateful
WEAK
barren disagreeable distasteful miserable not worth it unprofitable unrecognized unrequited unreturned unrewarding useless vain wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fruitful productive profitable
WEAK
appreciated appreciative considerate contented grateful rewarded satisfied thankful
ADJECTIVE
unappreciative, inconsiderate (in behavior)
Synonyms
STRONG
ungrateful unthankful
WEAK
careless cruel heedless inappreciative rude self-centered thoughtless ungracious unmindful
Antonyms
WEAK
appreciated appreciative considerate contented grateful rewarded satisfied thankful

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.

Being an executor is often a lonely, time-consuming and thankless task.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 18, 2025

Neither of ABT’s two hardworking casts, with leading couples framed by male and female ensembles, made their dramatically opaque and intermittently acrobatic work look more than thankless.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Speaking after the resignation of Angela Rayner, the former Derby South MP said: "It's a lot of time, it's a lot of work, it's a lot of responsibility, and it's thankless."

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

“We recognize that this charge is compounded by technological developments such as social media, which transcend the geographic boundaries of the school. It is a thankless task for which we are all indebted.”

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2025

SanJuanna and Alberto shouldered the thankless burden of cleaning up.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly