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 consequences place a target on her back that forces her to remain rootless to survive.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2023

She ridiculed her own attempts at genealogy; the family tree was wintry and bare, as well as rootless.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

rootless

Example Sentences

Related Words