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Definition of useless

useless

/ˈjuːs.ləs/
use · less
Adverb:uselessly
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useless Lexical Profile

useless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose or desired outcome; serving no practical function.

Example

"Without an internet connection, the navigation app on my phone was completely useless in the remote mountains."

2

(Informal) Having no ability or skill in a specified activity or area; incompetent.

Example

"He admitted that he was completely useless at remembering people's birthdays without a calendar reminder."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for useless

• Nearby Words

useful
usefully
usefulness
useless
uselessly
uselessness
user

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late 16th-century English from the noun 'use' (from Old French 'us' and Latin 'usus', meaning 'application' or 'employment') combined with the native privative suffix '-less'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Useless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/useless
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