Adjectives of Lack
To describe a lack of something, Croatian uses the prefix bez- (meaning "without" or "-less"). When attached to a noun root, the prefix often undergoes sound changes to make pronunciation easier.
The Standard Prefix: bez-
If the root word begins with a vowel or a voiced consonant (like b, d, g, v, z, or m), the prefix remains bez-.
Voice Assimilation: bes-
When the root begins with a voiceless consonant (such as p, t, k, s, or c), the z changes into an s.
Sound Assimilation: beš-
If the root begins with š, č, or ć, the z transforms into an š to match the sound of the following consonant.
Adjective Agreement
Once formed, these derived words behave exactly like regular Croatian adjectives, taking on the appropriate endings to agree with their noun's gender, number, and case.