- Today's Word
Feckless
FEK-liss
Definition
(adjective) Lacking initiative, responsibility, or strength of character.
Example
His feckless leadership left the team confused and directionless.
Fun Fact
Though not widely used in everyday speech, feckless is a favorite insult in British politics and op-eds. It comes from an old Scottish word meaning “effect”—so feckless literally means “ineffective.” It’s often used for people who appear lazy, careless, or passively incapable, especially when they should know better.
(adjective) Overly dramatic or emotional in behavior or speech; exaggerated for effect.
Her reaction to the minor inconvenience was so histrionic that everyone nearby stopped to stare.
Histrionic comes from the Latin histrio, meaning “actor,” and originally referred to stage performance. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe behavior that resembles theatrical acting—exaggerated, emotional, and designed to draw attention.