'shapelessness' originates from the Old English word 'sceap,' meaning 'form or figure,' combined with the suffix '-less,' indicating 'without,' and '-ness,' denoting a state or quality.

'shapelessness' evolved from the Middle English word 'shapelesnesse,' which was derived from 'shapeles' and the suffix '-nesse.'

Initially, it meant 'without a definite form,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.