Definitions

useless

[yoos-lis] / ˈyus lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

not working; not valuable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

counterproductive fruitless futile hopeless idle impractical incompetent ineffective ineffectual inoperative meaningless no good pointless stupid unproductive unworkable worthless

WEAK

abortive bootless disadvantageous dysfunctional expendable feckless good-for-nothing impracticable inept inutile nonfunctional of no use profitless purposeless scrap unavailable unavailing unfunctional unprofitable unpurposed unusuable vain valueless waste weak

Antonyms

STRONGEST

effective fruitful hopeful meaningful productive profitable sensible useful valuable worthwhile

WEAK

helpful usable working

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Physical encyclopedias and textbooks were rendered virtually useless.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

Justice Madlanga stated that his sick note was "useless" and Mogotsi reluctantly returned for cross-examination in May.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

“Over the years, millions of dollars in unused miles and points have been rendered useless due to airline shutdowns,” said McGee.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Worries about inflation have caused some seniors to stampede into gold instead, even though that is highly speculative, functionally useless and pays no dividends at all.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

It is useless for me to describe to you how terrible Violet, Klaus, and even Sunny felt in the time that followed.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

Vocabulary lists containing useless

Good Riddance

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Beowulf vocabulary

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 8

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