thankless

/'θæɳklis/

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Sure! Let's break down the word "thankless."

Definition:

Thankless (adjective): This word describes a situation, job, or person that does not receive appreciation or thanks, even though they work hard or do something valuable. It can also describe someone who does not feel grateful or does not show gratitude.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "thankless" to describe jobs or tasks that are hard but not recognized or appreciated. You can also use it to describe people who do not show gratitude for what they receive.

Examples:

1. Thankless Task: "Grading papers is a thankless task because teachers often don't get any thanks from students."
2. Thankless Person: "He is a thankless child, never expressing gratitude for the sacrifices his parents made."

Advanced Usage:

In literature and more advanced writing, "thankless" can be used to explore themes of gratitude, relationships, and societal roles. For example, poets or authors might describe a character who performs acts of kindness but is never appreciated, emphasizing the emotional weight of being "thankless."

Word Variants:

• Thanklessness (noun): The quality of being thankless. Example: "The thanklessness of her efforts made her feel unappreciated."
• Thanklessly (adverb): Doing something without acknowledgment or thanks. Example: "She worked thanklessly for many years before finally being recognized."

Different Meanings:

1. Not Likely to Be Rewarded: When a task is seen as unrewarding despite the effort put in, like volunteer work or caregiving.
2. Ungrateful: Refers to a person who does not express gratitude or appreciation.

Synonyms:

• Unappreciated
• Unrewarded
• Ungrateful
• Disregarded

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "thankless," you might hear phrases like: - "No good deed goes unpunished." (Meaning that doing something good may not lead to thanks or reward.) - "Biting the hand that feeds you." (Being ungrateful to those who help you.)

Conclusion:

"Thankless" is a useful word to describe situations where hard work goes unnoticed or when someone does not show gratitude.

Academic

Adjective

1. not likely to be rewarded
   • grading papers is a thankless task
2. not feeling or showing gratitude
   • ungrateful heirs
   • How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is / To have a thankless child!- Shakespeare

Synonyms

• unappreciated
• ungratifying
• ungrateful
• unthankful