Useless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈyüs-ləs/ use·less

Meaning & Definition of Useless

Useless (adjective)

  1. having or being of no use:
  2. ineffectual
  3. not doing or not able to do what is needed

Useless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not capable of being put to use or account

    "a garage full of useless junk"

    similar: impracticable, impractical, inoperable, nonpractical, unserviceable, unusable, unworkable
    related: unsuitable, inaccessible, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable, dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative, latent, arrested, interrupted, suspended, unrealistic
    opposite: applicable, feasible, functional, operable, operational, practicable, practical, serviceable, ultrapractical, usable, useful, utilizable, workable
    near: accessible, acquirable, available, obtainable, procurable, reachable, all-around, handy, active, alive, busy, employed, functioning, operating, operative, running, working

  2. producing no results

    "a useless attempt to reach an agreement"

    similar: abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, futile, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, vain, in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail
    related: hollow, idle, meaningless, pointless, valueless, worthless, hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting, counterproductive
    opposite: deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous
    near: meaningful, worthwhile, adequate, sufficient, applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable, workable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Useless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Useless:

impracticable, impractical, inoperable, nonpractical, unserviceable, unusable, unworkable, abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, futile, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, vain, in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Useless

Words with the opposite meaning of Useless:

applicable, feasible, functional, operable, operational, practicable, practical, serviceable, ultrapractical, usable, useful, utilizable, workable, deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous

Related Words for Useless

unsuitable, inaccessible, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable, dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative, latent, arrested, interrupted, suspended, unrealistic, hollow, meaningless, pointless, valueless, worthless, hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, inadequate, insufficient

Near Antonyms of Useless

accessible, acquirable, available, obtainable, procurable, reachable, all-around, handy, active, alive, busy, employed, functioning, operating, operative, running, working, meaningful, worthwhile, adequate, sufficient, realizable

Word Forms of Useless

Derived words: uselessly (adverb), uselessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Useless

First known use: 1593

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Useless

Frequently Asked Questions about Useless

What does "Useless" mean?

"Useless" means having or being of no use:. As an adjective, it is defined as: having or being of no use:. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Useless"?

Other words for "Useless" include impracticable, impractical, inoperable, nonpractical, unserviceable, unusable, unworkable and abortive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Useless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Useless"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Useless". Common alternatives include impracticable, impractical, inoperable, nonpractical, unserviceable, unusable, unworkable, abortive, barren and bootless.

What is the opposite of "Useless"?

Antonyms of "Useless" include applicable, feasible, functional, operable, operational, practicable, practical and serviceable. Near antonyms include accessible, acquirable, available and obtainable.

How do you use "Useless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Useless" in a sentence: "a garage full of useless junk"; "a useless attempt to reach an agreement".

Is "Useless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Useless" is an adjective.

Is "Useless" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Useless" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Useless"?

"Useless" is pronounced /ˈyüs-ləs/ and divided into syllables as use·less.