WordGarden.iobottomless
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɒtəmləs/
US
- /ˈbɑtəmləs/
Meanings
Adjective
having no bottom or seeming extremely deep
seemingly unlimited or inexhaustible
served with unlimited refills, especially of food or drink
More meaningsFewer meanings
not wearing clothing below the waist
Beyond the definition
Imagine a cup of coffee that never runs out because refills keep coming—that's the idea of "bottomless." It describes something that seems to have no end or limit, like a bottomless pit. But it's not just about physical things! You can have a bottomless appetite (you're always hungry), a bottomless well of creativity, or a bottomless source of gratitude. The context usually tells whether we're talking about literal endlessness or a sense of abundant supply. Think of "bottomless brunch"—it doesn't actually have no end, but you can eat and drink as much as you want.
The word "bottomless" suggests immense size, depth, or inexhaustibility. It originally described physical spaces with no visible base—like a pit or well that seems to go down forever—and later expanded to include anything that feels endless in a broader sense.
You might describe a dark cave as having a bottomless chasm, suggesting its depth is unknowable. Figuratively, we use "bottomless" to express an insatiable desire or need. A "bottomless appetite" is not just about eating a lot; it implies a craving that can never be fully satisfied. Likewise, someone with a "bottomless capacity for kindness" seems able to give endlessly without depletion.
The word appears in marketing—such as "bottomless fries" or "bottomless coffee"—promising abundance and value. However, it can also carry a darker tone when describing painful or destructive experiences. "Bottomless grief" suggests sorrow that does not abate, while a "bottomless pit of lies" implies a situation where the truth is almost impossible to find.
Historically, the idea of something bottomless was often linked to mythical realms and fears of the unknown. Today, it still retains that sense of mystery while frequently being used in everyday language to emphasize quantity or intensity. So, whether you're describing a physical space, an emotional state, or a promotional offer, "bottomless" suggests something beyond measure—something that seems to stretch on forever.
Examples
- 1
Free refills
At the diner, the coffee is bottomless, so they'll keep refilling your cup.
- 2
Appetite
My brother seems to have a bottomless appetite after basketball practice.
- 3
Everyday exaggeration
She pulled a charger, a notebook, and a scarf out of her bottomless bag.
- 4
Budget limits
Their budget isn't bottomless, so we need a cheaper plan.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Repair costs
The old building turned into a bottomless pit for repair costs.
- Phrasea bottomless pit
something that seems to need endless money, time, or energy
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- bottomless pit
- bottomless brunch
- bottomless mimosas
- bottomless appetite
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- bottomlessadjective