Literary notes about tasteless (AI summary)
In literature “tasteless” is a versatile descriptor operating both in the literal sense—denoting a lack of flavor or aroma—and in a more figurative vein, critiquing aesthetic or moral quality. Authors use it to describe food that is unpalatable or unexciting, as when dishes are called “dreadfully tasteless” [1] or meals are noted to be “dry and tasteless” [2]. It also appears in technical descriptions, characterizing substances like powders, water, or medicinal compounds that are inherently flavorless [3][4]. Beyond the culinary, the word conveys a broader commentary on style and sensibility, critiquing art, decor, or rhetoric when they appear insipid or void of distinctive character, as seen in references to “tasteless furniture” [5] and even bland literary expression [6]. In this way, “tasteless” enriches narrative detail by merging the physical absence of flavor with a symbolic negation of quality and appeal.
- 'No,' he replied, 'the dishes are carefully cooked and sent up, but they are all so dreadfully tasteless.'
— from The Green Fairy Book - It is abundant, and considered good eating, but the meat is rather dry and tasteless.
— from Travels on the Amazon by Alfred Russel Wallace - Nicotianin or “camphor of tobacco” is another substance found in the leaves, crystalline, tasteless, with an odor resembling tobacco.
— from The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by T. H. Pardo de Tavera - Pure cellulose is white, colorless, tasteless, insoluble in water, oil, alcohol, or ether.
— from The Stock-Feeder's Manual the chemistry of food in relation to the breeding and feeding of live stock by Cameron, Charles Alexander, Sir - Anna Akimovna’s study with its bare walls and tasteless furniture pleased him exceedingly.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - A style that has no smack or flavor of the man that uses it is a tasteless style.
— from Words; Their Use and Abuse by William Mathews
