What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shaven
Example
He looked so different after he had shaven his beard. [shaven: past participle]
Example
She spent hours in the bathroom, shaving her legs and underarms. [shaving: gerund or present participle]
hairless
Example
The sphynx cat is a hairless breed that is popular among pet owners. [hairless: adjective]
Example
She opted for a hairless bikini wax before her beach vacation. [hairless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hairless is less common than shaven in everyday language. Shaven is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hairless is typically used in more specific situations, such as describing a medical condition or a particular breed of animal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shaven and hairless?
Both shaven and hairless are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
