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.

"There are some similarities between me and my main character but she's much grumpier than me. I'd make a useless sleuth," said Perry.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

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

Mr. Arnold took to social media last week to promote Dr. Prasad’s 2015 book “Ending Medical Reversal,” which argues that many medical advances are dangerous and useless.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Truly, even by his ordinary standards, what he was doing was useless; there was no escaping Ashmodai’s notice, and there was no getting off that stage.

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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