masslos
excessive
To an extreme or exaggerated extent; without any moderation or limit.
EXAMPLE
Sein massloser Konsum führte schnell zu hohen Schulden.
His excessive consumption quickly led to high debts.
masslos
excessive
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Meanings
masslos
boundless
To a very high, almost immeasurable degree, often in relation to feelings such as disappointment or anger.
EXAMPLE
Nach der ungerechten Entscheidung war ihre Enttäuschung masslos.
After the unfair decision, her disappointment was boundless.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Maß' (measure) and the ending '-los' (-less). The ending '-los' means 'without', so 'maßlos' literally means 'without measure'.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Erwartungen an das Projekt waren maßlos übertrieben.
Her expectations for the project were excessively exaggerated.
Use as an adverb
'Maßlos' is very often used as an adverb to intensify another adjective or a verb. It then means 'extremely' or 'very strongly'.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Absage war er maßlos enttäuscht.
After the cancellation, he was extremely disappointed.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'übertrieben' (exaggerated), 'maßlos' is often combined with negative behaviors or qualities. Typical examples are 'maßloser Ehrgeiz' (excessive ambition), 'maßlose Gier' (excessive greed), or 'maßlose Verschwendung' (excessive wastefulness).
EXAMPLE
Seine maßlose Gier nach Macht hat ihn isoliert.
His excessive greed for power isolated him.
Typical collocations
When it comes to feelings, 'maßlos' describes their extreme intensity. Common combinations are 'maßlose Wut' (boundless anger), 'maßlose Trauer' (boundless grief), or 'maßlose Freude' (boundless joy).
EXAMPLE
Als sie die Nachricht hörte, empfand sie eine maßlose Wut.
When she heard the news, she felt boundless anger.
Compare with
masslos vs grenzenlos
boundless / limitless
Grenzenlos and masslos can express a very strong degree of emotion. Grenzenlos presents the feeling figuratively as completely without limits. Masslos, by contrast, emphasizes its extreme or exaggerated extent and therefore the lack of moderation.
masslos
Wegen der kleinen Verzögerung war seine Enttäuschung masslos.
His disappointment was excessive because of the minor delay.
grenzenlos
Nach dem endgültigen Scheitern war seine Enttäuschung grenzenlos.
After the final failure, his disappointment was boundless.
In real life
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