Praiseless

Praiseless describes something that is beyond the scope of praise; either so exceptionally valuable, beautiful, or virtuous that words of appreciation are inadequate, or so fundamentally flawed, wicked, or disappointing that any expression of approval seems inappropriate or even insulting. The term highlights a quality that transcends standard evaluative measures. It can imply both profound worth and profound lack of it. It also subtly suggests a form of detachment from societal norms, either in recognizing the utter greatness or irredeemable flaws of something.

Praiseless meaning with examples

• The artist's final masterpiece, a canvas bursting with raw emotion and unparalleled skill, was praiseless. Critics were silenced, not by negativity, but by an overwhelming sense of awe. Its beauty defied mere words, existing on a plane beyond conventional admiration. There was no other descriptor of the work available.
• The volunteer's tireless dedication, offering aid in dangerous conditions, was praiseless. Her actions, driven by pure compassion, went beyond the need for acknowledgement. Any attempt to laud her felt trivial in light of the genuine selflessness. Praise seemed insufficient to honor her sacrifices and compassion for all those she helped.
• After the catastrophic failure of the project, the resulting damage to the public perception was praiseless. There was no amount of explanation or justification that could undo the harm. Attempts to offer praise were met with outrage and further contempt. The situation had descended far beyond any possibility of a positive light.
• The corruption within the corporation was praiseless, a deep-seated rot that defied superficial remedies. Its impact on society felt overwhelming, no one could measure all the ramifications. The attempts at damage control appeared futile. It was an abyss of ethical failure, beyond any hope of redeeming praise.
• Facing a cruel dilemma, the hero's moral decision and its profound impact was ultimately praiseless. Caught between conflicting obligations, they had to choose the lesser evil with no possible chance to garner praise. The weight of the moment and the repercussions rendered the usual criteria of 'praiseworthiness' meaningless and beside the point.