thankless Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Thank"less adjective
Definitions
  1. Not acknowledging favors; not expressing thankfulness; unthankful; ungrateful.
    That she may feel How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is To have a thankless child! Shak.
  2. Not obtaining or deserving thanks; unacceptable; as, a thankless task.
    To shepherd thankless, but by thieves that love the night allowed. Chapman.
    -- Thank"less*ly adv. -- Thank"less*ness, n.

Webster 1913