thankless

adjective

thank·​less ˈthaŋk-ləs 

1

: not likely to obtain thanks : unappreciated

a thankless task

2

: not expressing or feeling gratitude : ungrateful

how sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child

—William Shakespeare

thanklessly adverb

thanklessness noun

Synonyms

• unappreciative
• ungrateful

Examples of thankless in a Sentence

a thankless boss who seems oblivious to the extra effort his subordinates have made

the thankless job of cleaning up after a party

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s often said that working in college mental health is a thankless job. —Eric Wood, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, Katie Holmes fulfills an almost thankless role, granted little time to shine as Mrs. Webb, but provides a grounding presence as the practical mother of two. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Typically, they are paid much less than their male counterparts for backbreaking and often thankless labor, while also being expected to run their family’s household. —Christina Pickard, Bon Appétit, 3 Oct. 2024

There is also, it must be said, something thankless in Jenna Elfman’s role as the apple of both men’s eyes. —Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

thankless

adjective

thank·​less ˈthaŋ-kləs 

1

: not appreciated by others

a thankless job

2

: not showing or feeling gratitude

thanklessly adverb

thanklessness noun