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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.

These are time-consuming and often thankless jobs for a friend.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

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

“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

“I’m surprised by that amount of money, and it just goes to show that even though teaching is a thankless job, the students are craving and grateful for a role model.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025

Now I know why: It is a thankless task, but tomatoes are the least of it.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine