Uselessness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈyüs-ləs/ use·less

Meaning & Definition of Uselessness

Uselessness (adjective)

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

Uselessness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in futility

    similar: futility, collapse, crash, cropper, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonachievement, nonsuccess, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, deficiency, inadequacy, inadequateness, insufficiency, disappointment, letdown, setback
    opposite: accomplishment, achievement, success, victory, win

  2. as in emptiness, meaninglessness

    similar: emptiness, inaneness, inanity, meaninglessness, pointlessness, immateriality, inconsequentiality, insignificance, improperness, inappositeness, inappropriateness, inaptness, unfitness, unsuitability, extraneousness, impertinence, inapplicability, irrelevance
    opposite: applicability, bearing, connection, materiality, pertinence, relevance, relevancy, appropriateness, aptness, fitness, suitability, suitableness, importance, significance, usefulness

Related Entry: Useless (adjective)

Useless is a different word from Uselessness. The synonyms below are for useless, not for uselessness.

  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 Uselessness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Uselessness:

futility, collapse, crash, cropper, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonachievement, nonsuccess, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, deficiency, inadequacy, inadequateness, insufficiency, disappointment, letdown, setback, emptiness, inaneness, inanity, meaninglessness, pointlessness, immateriality, inconsequentiality, insignificance, improperness, inappositeness, inappropriateness, inaptness, unfitness, unsuitability, extraneousness, impertinence, inapplicability, irrelevance

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Uselessness

Words with the opposite meaning of Uselessness:

accomplishment, achievement, success, victory, win, applicability, bearing, connection, materiality, pertinence, relevance, relevancy, appropriateness, aptness, fitness, suitability, suitableness, importance, significance, usefulness

Word Forms of Uselessness

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

Origin & Etymology of Uselessness

First known use: 1593

Frequently Asked Questions about Uselessness

What does "Uselessness" mean?

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

What is another word for "Uselessness"?

Other words for "Uselessness" include futility, collapse, crash, cropper, defeat, failure, fizzle and nonachievement. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Uselessness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Uselessness"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Uselessness". Common alternatives include futility, collapse, crash, cropper, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonachievement, nonsuccess and ineffectiveness.

What is the opposite of "Uselessness"?

Antonyms of "Uselessness" include accomplishment, achievement, success, victory, win, applicability, bearing and connection.

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

"Uselessness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Uselessness"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Uselessness"?

First known use: 1593.

What is another word for "Uselessness" meaning "as in futility"?

When "Uselessness" (noun) means as in futility, synonyms include futility, collapse, crash, cropper, defeat and failure. Opposites in this sense include accomplishment, achievement, success and victory.