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
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.
Without that essential training to help surmount powerful systemic barriers, the kit would have been useless—and in that sense, the job is still woefully unfinished. Sheila McClear, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025 Esoteric knowledge of the parks, essentially useless anywhere else, is suddenly incredibly useful. Darryn King, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 The upper levels of tall buildings are effectively rendered useless until repairs can be made. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 5 Jan. 2025 But from the Sharks’ standpoint, dwelling on the past is perhaps useless. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for useless 

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 21 Jan. 2025.

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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