useful

adjective

use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl 

1

: capable of being put to use

especially : serviceable for an end or purpose

useful tools

2

: of a valuable or productive kind

do something useful with your life

usefully

ˈyüs-fə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• actionable
• applicable
• applicative
• applied
• functional
• practicable
• practical
• serviceable
• ultrapractical
• usable
• useable
• workable
• working

Examples of useful in a Sentence

Does anyone have any useful suggestions?

It can be useful to know CPR.

The Internet is useful for finding information quickly.

She has become one of the team's most useful players.

Why don't you do something useful with your life?

Recent Examples on the Web

However, with a little creativity, they can be transformed into something far more useful than an extra bag in the garbage. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025

See our Tips and Tricks for more useful information on Connections. —New York Times Games, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

Capitalize simplifies the task of tracking down and rolling over old 401(k) accounts, a useful service given the growing prevalence of workplace retirement savings accounts, even if job-hopping has slowed from its frenzied pace in 2022. —Hank Tucker, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

For such a machine to be useful in real terms, multiple quantum processors need to be assembled in a single location. —Jorge Garay, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing useful

• come in useful
• come in useful/helpful
• make oneself useful
• prove (to be) useful
• useful idiot
• useful life

Kids Definition

useful

adjective

use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl 

1

: capable of being put to use : usable

useful scraps of material

2

: having practical value

a useful invention

usefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

usefulness noun