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.
Wet down is generally useless—all those air pockets that trap heat are gone. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024 However, there's a 250MB limit on individual files, making Box's free version useless for anyone working with video or large audio files, such as podcast recordings. PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024 These latest such initiatives focus on linking cookies to devices and apps, rendering thefts useless. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Elevators stopped working between floors, stoplights stopped working at intersections and life-saving pacemakers were rendered useless. Mars King, Twin Cities, 30 Oct. 2024 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 29 Nov. 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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