shapeless
shapeless — adjective
1. describes something that does not have a clear, fixed, or recognizable shape or
describes something that does not have a clear, fixed, or recognizable shape or structure, so it is hard to describe or organize.
Eli's favourite sweater had become completely shapeless after years of washing and wearing.
collocation: completely shapeless
A shapeless mass of grey clouds covered the whole sky before the rain began.
collocation: shapeless mass
The meeting became a shapeless discussion that went on for hours without reaching any decision.
Tanvi drew a shapeless figure in the sand before the waves washed it away.
The novel's plot felt shapeless, with scenes that did not connect in any clear way.
- formless
more literary and less common in everyday speech; suggests a complete lack of any recognizable form
- amorphous
more technical or formal; describes something with no clear structure or boundaries, often in science or abstract contexts
- unstructured
focuses on lack of organization rather than physical shape; common for discussions, meetings, or documents
- shaped
having a clear or intended form
- structured
organized with a clear plan or framework
用法筆記
Common with nouns like 'mass', 'figure', 'form', and 'clouds'. Can describe both physical objects (clothing, shapes) and abstract things (arguments, plots, discussions).
常見錯誤
2. describes a person's body or an item of clothing that lacks a pleasing, well-bal
describes a person's body or an item of clothing that lacks a pleasing, well-balanced, or attractive form.
Lauren thought the leggings were too shapeless; they made her look like a bag.
collocation: shapeless + clothing
The dress hung on her body in a shapeless way, hiding her natural curves.
After years in the attic, the once-elegant armchair had become soft and shapeless.
Hassan tried on several jackets, but each felt shapeless and did not fit his shoulders.
- baggy
neutral or positive for loose-fitting clothes; 'shapeless' is more negative
- saggy
describes something that has drooped or lost its firmness, often from wear
- ill-fitting
focuses on poor size match rather than lack of shape; can be too big or too small
- shapely
having an attractive, well-proportioned shape, especially of a person's body
- well-fitting
clothing that matches the wearer's body shape correctly
用法筆記
Often carries a mildly negative judgment about appearance. More common for clothing (dresses, jackets, coats) than for body parts directly. Can also describe furniture that has sagged or lost its original form.