flightlessness

1 7.1

Not being able to fly, often in birds like ostriches or kiwis

noun
/ˈflaɪt.ləs.nəs/

: incapacidad de volar

The unique flightlessness of the kiwi makes it vulnerable to introduced predators.

Examples

The flightlessness of ostriches is well-known.
Scientists study the evolutionary reasons behind the flightlessness of certain island birds.
The flightlessness of ostriches has led them to develop strong legs for running.
The flightlessness of certain bird species can be attributed to evolution.
The flightlessness of the ostrich prevents it from escaping predators swiftly.
The island's unique ecosystem has led to the flightlessness of several bird species.
Researchers studied the flightlessness of certain birds to understand their evolutionary adaptations.

Surface Forms

flightlessness singular

flightlessnesses plural

Morphology

flightlessness = flightless (transparent) = flight + less + ness

Standard derivation: the adjective 'flightless' (unable to fly) takes '-ness' to form the noun for that state.

Etymology

Flightlessness comes from flight ('the act of flying') plus -less ('without'), as in hopeless, and -ness ('a state of being'). So flightlessness means 'the state of not being able to fly', like island birds that walk or run instead of flying.