useless

adjective

ˈyüs-ləs How to pronounce useless (audio)
Definition of uselessnext
1
as in impractical
not capable of being put to use or account a garage full of useless junk

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results a useless attempt to reach an agreement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of useless Even Paulina’s best friend – a phrase pretty much useless in this milieu – isn’t safe. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 Second, flagging tells predators that further pursuit is useless; this can save the deer valuable energy resources. — Tom Carpenter, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026 Continue reading … BROKEN COVENANT — Javier Milei blasts UN as 'useless' den of 'fatally arrogant parasites' in raucous speech. — FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 If the records aren’t kept, nothing can be archived and FOIL is useless. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useless
  1. impractical
  2. futile
  3. unusable
  4. unsuccessful
  5. unsuitable
Adjective
  • Nonlinear editing changed how films are cut; digital cinematography changed how they are shot and reviewed; visual effects and virtual production made once-impractical images possible.
    — Partner Content, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • That would be impractical in Soho and unthinkable in Times Square.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of impractical
Adjective
  • Before the court fight was launched, Edwin Benn, the arbitrator who oversaw 2023 contract negotiations between the city and FOP, warned the City Council that any attempt to undermine his award to the union would be futile.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • It’s also brilliantly written as a futile, pathetic rebellion by men with zero agency or purpose in their own lives.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of futile
Adjective
  • At Lincoln Bay, Duke said their elevators sensed water and immediately went to the 10th floor, where they were locked in place and unusable until contractors cleared out the pit below.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Founded in 2022, The Alloy Market makes money by either refining unusable materials and taking a cut, or by listing usable items on their online resale marketplace.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unusable
Adjective
  • Attempts by The Associated Press to reach the other men or their representatives have been unsuccessful.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Other searches to find PBHs near and far, however, have so far been unsuccessful.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • And the religious character of this language is by no means unsuitable to this project of science that was bathed in biblical metaphors from the get-go—Code name Trinity, to cite just one example.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Like other foods, bird seed is perishable and will spoil if it’s kept in unsuitable conditions.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of unsuitable

Browse Nearby Words

usefulness
useless
uselessness
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Cite this Entry

“Useless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useless. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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