suffix, pre-noun adjectival
Suffix or pre-noun adjectival meaning 'without' or 'lacking'. Attaches to nouns to form expressions like 'without X' or 'X-less'. Often used in fixed or literary expressions.
See also: 無い
情けなき仕打ちに涙が出た。
I cried at the heartless treatment.
慈悲なき戦いが続いている。
A merciless battle continues.