Atelische

Atelische is the feminine form of the German adjective atelisch, used to describe something that lacks a defined endpoint or goal. The term is derived from the prefix a- (not) and from telos, the Greek word for end or purpose. In German-language academic writing it is used primarily in philosophy of action and linguistics to label actions, events, or verbs without an inherent final outcome.

In philosophy of action, atelic actions are those that do not possess a fixed terminal point. They can continue indefinitely or be carried out without a built-in completion. By contrast, telic actions have an explicit or implied end state, such as finishing a task, reaching a destination, or producing a result. The distinction helps analyze motives, norms, and the structure of intentional activity.

In linguistics and the theory of aspect, atelic (atelische) verbs describe ongoing processes without a defined endpoint, such as laufen (to run) or schlafen (to sleep) in a generic sense. Telic verbs encode a completion or culmination, such as lesen (to read a book) or bauen (to build a house). Many languages mark aspects that differentiate atelic and telic readings, shaping how duration and repetition are expressed.

Usage notes: The form atelische is used with feminine nouns (eine atelische Handlung, die atelische Tätigkeit). The concept is common in discussions of action theory, cognitive linguistics, and the philosophy of language. See also telisch, Telos, and Vendlerian aspect classifications.