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Useless - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Useless means having no practical value or purpose. It describes something that does not work, help, or achieve anything meaningful. For example, a broken tool is useless.

useless

/ˈjusləs/ /ˈjuːsləs/

Definition:

Not fulfilling or unable to fulfill a purpose; ineffective or pointless.

Synonyms:

futile, worthless, ineffective, unproductive, vain

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

useful, effective, valuable

Common Collocations:

useless information, useless effort, completely useless, utterly useless, feel useless

Derivatives:

uselessly, uselessness

Usage Tips:

Use "useless" to describe something that fails to serve its intended function or lacks value.

Common Phrases:

as useless as a chocolate teapot, feel like a spare part at a wedding, dead weight

Etymology:

Derived from Old English "ūselēas," combining "use" (utility) and "-less" (without).

Examples:

  • 1. The old computer is useless now; it won't even turn on.
  • 2. Don’t waste time on useless arguments that lead nowhere.
  • 3. His advice was completely useless in solving the problem.
  • 4. She felt useless when she couldn’t help her friend in need.

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