sexless

IPA/ˈseksləs/
KK[sˈɛkslɪs]IPA/ˈseksləs/

sexless — adjective

  • sexlesspositive
  • more sexlesscomparative
  • most sexlesssuperlative

1. used to describe a person who does not want sexual contact, or who is not seen a

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe a person who does not want sexual contact, or who is not seen as sexually attractive by others

例句

Sivan worried that his illness had left him feeling completely sexless for months.

collocation: feel sexless

The magazine described the politician's grey suits and stiff manner as oddly sexless.

collocation: oddly sexless

同義詞
  • unsexy

    more informal and direct; only covers the 'not attractive' meaning

  • asexual

    more clinical; describes a sexual orientation rather than a temporary lack of desire

  • neuter

    mostly used for animals or in biological contexts

用法筆記

Context usually makes clear whether the word describes a lack of sexual desire or a lack of sexual appeal. The same person can be called sexless in both senses by different speakers.

常見錯誤

He is sexless, so he never dates anyone.' (when describing a long-term orientation).
He is asexual, so he never dates anyone.
💡'Sexless' suggests a temporary state or an outside judgement; 'asexual' names a lasting orientation.

2. lacking the physical features that mark a living thing as male or female

2.形容詞B2
釋義

lacking the physical features that mark a living thing as male or female

例句

In the ancient myth, the first humans were sexless beings, neither man nor woman.

Wei noticed the sexless clay figure had no features that marked it as male or female.

pattern: sexless + noun for physical description

同義詞
  • androgynous

    having a mix of male and female traits, rather than lacking both entirely

  • neuter

    used in biology for organisms without working sex organs

  • genderless

    more common in fashion, design, and social contexts

反義詞
  • sexed

    used in biology for organisms with distinct male or female traits

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (LACKING SEXUALITY): this sense describes physical or biological traits rather than attraction or desire.

常見錯誤

The bathroom is sexless.
The bathroom is gender-neutral.
💡'Sexless' describes a body or being without male or female traits; it does not describe spaces or policies designed for everyone.