pointless

adjective

point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs How to pronounce pointless (audio)
1
: devoid of meaning : senseless
a pointless remark
2
: devoid of effectiveness : flat
pointless attempts to be funny
pointlessly adverb
pointlessness noun

Examples of pointless in a Sentence

It would be pointless for us to continue the investigation. a pointless remark that left everyone scratching their heads in confusion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once the ground freezes, water will not penetrate to the root zone, so irrigation is pointless. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024 Punishing them after the fact (e.g., for past accidents) is pointless and confusing. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 After all, a restaurant without passion is like a pizza without cheese—utterly pointless. Teja Chekuri, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 His father declined to be interviewed by JNS—as did several of his fellow residents, who belong to a tough generation and culture, in which discussing hardships and even traumas is often seen as pointless and even counterproductive. Canaan Lidor, Sun Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pointless 

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pointless was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near pointless

Cite this Entry

“Pointless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointless. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pointless

adjective
point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs How to pronounce pointless (audio)
1
: lacking meaning : senseless
a pointless remark
2
: ineffective sense 1
pointless attempts to be funny
pointlessly adverb
pointlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pointless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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