quirkless

Quirkless is an adjective describing a person or character who lacks an unusual trait, eccentricity, or a specific supernatural ability called a "Quirk." In general English usage it can simply mean without quirks—that is, without notable idiosyncrasies. In popular culture the term is most commonly associated with fictional settings that use "Quirk" as a formal designation for superhuman powers.

In the context of the manga and anime series My Hero Academia, "Quirkless" denotes individuals born without the series' defined superpowers. Within that fictional society, being quirkless often carries social stigma, limits career and social mobility, and becomes a narrative device for exploring themes of exclusion, resilience, and identity. Characters who are quirkless can serve as protagonists, antagonists, or supporting figures whose status informs their motivations and interactions.

Outside of that specific franchise, "quirkless" appears in fan communities, role-playing, and critical discussion to describe characters or people lacking a distinctive trait that others possess. It can be used descriptively or pejoratively, depending on context. The term also surfaces in conversations about privilege and marginalization when fictional abilities are treated as analogues for real-world differences.

As a cultural term, quirkless functions both as a straightforward descriptor and as a lens through which creators and audiences examine power dynamics, social prejudice, and personal agency in speculative narratives.