Patronless

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Lacking a patron, sponsor, or influential supporter who provides protection or assistance
2. Deprived of patronage or the backing of a powerful advocate or benefactor
3. Without a wealthy or influential person to provide support, guidance, or resources

Etymology: "Patronless" is a plain formation: the noun "patron," with the suffix "-less" attached to mean "without." A patron is someone who supports or protects another, and so a patronless person or thing is one lacking such backing, sponsorship or custom. The word has an unexpected twin. "Patternless," meaning without a pattern, was formed the same way from a different base, and the two ended up sounding alike in speech. Because they arose from separate roots that happened to converge in pronunciation, linguists treat them as a piecewise doublet, meaning each half of the pair was built independently yet they share a common surface form.

Synonyms: unsponsored, unsupported

Antonyms: patronized, sponsored