Emily Dickinson Lexicon

JOY'LESS, a.

1. Destitute of joy; wanting joy. With downcast eyes the joyless victor sat. – Dryden. Rarely followed by of; as, joyless of the grove. – Dryden.
2. Giving no joy or pleasure. A joyless, dismal, black, and sorrowful issue. – Shak.