1. (of an action or verb) not directed toward or aimed at a specific goal or endpoint; having no inherent endpoint or completion point.
Usage: linguistics, grammar; contrasts with 'telic'

Examples

• The verb 'run' is atelic because you can run without a defined endpoint.
• In linguistics, atelic verbs describe ongoing actions rather than completed goals.
• The sentence 'She was sleeping' uses an atelic verb form.
• Unlike 'reach the summit,' the phrase 'climb the mountain' can be atelic if no endpoint is implied.
• Atelic predicates do not require a natural conclusion to be meaningful.