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

Then again, the DNI post is relatively useless, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe was already doing all the heavy lifting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Physical encyclopedias and textbooks were rendered virtually useless.

From Salon • May 30, 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

“You know how I am. I like to collect useless information and parrot it back at people. Besides, I don’t have $150 to throw away. Luckily for us, we’re guests tonight.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

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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