useless

adjective

use·​less ˈyüs-ləs How to pronounce useless (audio)
: having or being of no use:
a
: ineffectual
a useless attempt
b
: not able to give service or aid : inept
uselessly adverb
uselessness noun

Examples of useless in a Sentence

The tent is useless in wet conditions. I made a useless attempt at fixing the leak. Drugs are useless in treating the condition.
Recent Examples on the Web My French was useless — I was also considered a tourist by association. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024 The company has added a useless AI assistant to the reader app. PCMAG, 12 Oct. 2024 But more celebrity window dressing would just be useless clutter obscuring the story of personal growth that’s at the heart of No Obligation. Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024 Similarly, algorithms that identify inpatients ready for discharge are useless if there is nowhere to send patients post-hospitalization. Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for useless 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'useless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of useless was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near useless

Cite this Entry

“Useless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/useless. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

useless

adjective
use·​less ˈyüs-ləs How to pronounce useless (audio)
: having or being of no use
uselessly adverb
uselessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on useless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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