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

The fact that everything I've done means nothing, in this day and age it's useless.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Scott said the try would have been a formality because his big brother was useless tackling on his inside.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

I’ve seen too many parents of friends and family find out their long-term care plans are basically useless, which is why I am not interested in long-term care insurance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Even in all the shouting and confusion, and the bells of useless fire brigades, she could have sworn she heard her love’s heartbeat, could have sworn she heard her call out from inside.

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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