flightless (B2)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈflaɪtləs/

Definition

Lacking the ability to fly, typically used to describe birds that have evolved to live primarily on land or in water.

Examples

• Ostriches are the largest flightless birds currently living on Earth.

• Evolutionary biologists study why certain island species became flightless over millions of years.

• The kiwi is a flightless bird native to New Zealand that is active primarily at night.

Synonyms of flightless

Words with a similar meaning to flightless:

• grounded
• land-bound
• apterous

Antonyms of flightless

Words with the opposite meaning to flightless:

• flying
• volant

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