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.

Russell’s befuddled Jackson is as useless as a traffic cone but Blunt’s Margaret is a gas before the movie makes her go all glassy-eyed and solemn.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Physical encyclopedias and textbooks were rendered virtually useless.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

Another refrain is that Shibumis are useless in still air.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

I am also useless at accepting gifts or invitations - even ones like that - and we never took that trip to Barca.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

It was useless; she was too panicked to find the rhythm of it.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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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