godless

/ˈɡɒdləs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡɑːdləs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgäd-ləs also ˈgȯd-/ (ame, mw)

godless — adjective

  • godlesspositive
  • more godlesscomparative
  • most godlesssuperlative

1. describes a person, society, or way of thinking that does not include belief in

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person, society, or way of thinking that does not include belief in a divine being or that rejects all religious faith.

例句

Sun-hee grew up in a godless household where religion was never discussed.

collocation: godless household

The missionary described the philosophy as a godless system that left no room for spiritual values.

collocation: godless system / godless philosophy

同義詞
  • atheistic

    more specific — describes someone who actively denies God's existence rather than simply lacking religious belief

  • irreligious

    broader — includes indifference or lack of interest in religion as well as active disbelief

  • unbelieving

    more neutral in tone, though less common in everyday speech

  • faithless

    similar emotional weight but often directed at personal betrayal of trust rather than religious belief

反義詞
  • godly

    the direct opposite — describes someone devoted to God and religious principles

  • devout

    emphasises sincere, active religious commitment rather than mere belief

  • religious

    the most general opposite, covering any form of belief in a divine power

文法句型

godless + noun

be + godless

用法筆記

Common in discussions about religion, morality, and education. The tone can range from neutral description to strong disapproval, depending on the speaker's own beliefs.

常見錯誤

❌My colleague is godless because she never attends services.
✅My colleague does not practise any religion.
💡'godless' often carries negative judgment; use a neutral phrase for a simple factual statement.
❌A godless person is someone who hates religion.
✅A godless person is someone who does not believe in God.
💡the core meaning is absence of belief, not active hostility toward religion.

2. used to describe actions, people, or systems that are so cruel, wicked, or lacki

2.形容詞C1
釋義

used to describe actions, people, or systems that are so cruel, wicked, or lacking in moral principle that they seem to have no respect for any standard of decency.

例句

Kwame called the dictator's regime godless and vowed to fight against it.

collocation: godless regime

The novel paints a chilling picture of a godless society where greed and violence have destroyed all compassion.

同義詞
  • wicked

    more common and slightly less intense; covers everyday immoral behaviour as well as extreme cruelty

  • ungodly

    the closest synonym, with the same religious origin and similar emotional weight; often used interchangeably

  • evil

    more direct and absolute; suggests an inherent quality rather than a lack of religious framework

  • depraved

    emphasises moral corruption that has destroyed all sense of right and wrong

反義詞
  • righteous

    describes someone who acts according to strong moral principles

  • moral

    the general opposite, focusing on ethical behaviour rather than religious faith

  • virtuous

    emphasises the active pursuit of goodness and high moral standards

文法句型

godless + noun

be + godless

用法筆記

Figurative extension of the religious meaning. Far stronger than everyday words like 'bad' or 'unpleasant' — use only when describing extreme cruelty or a total lack of moral scruples.

常見錯誤

❌The weather was godless today.
✅The weather was terrible today.
💡'godless' is far too strong for minor complaints; it signals deep moral corruption, not inconvenience.
❌He felt godless after eating too much.
✅He felt awful after eating too much.
💡'godless' cannot describe physical discomfort; it describes moral character or actions only.