useless

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English

Etymology

From use +‎ -less.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈjuːs.ləs/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Rhymes: -uːsləs

Adjective

useless (comparative more useless or uselesser, superlative most useless or uselessest)

  1. Without use or possibility to be used.
    This fork's prongs are bent. It's useless now.
    • 2021 June 30, Philip Haigh, “Regional trains squeezed as ECML congestion heads north”, in RAIL, number 934, page 53:
      I'm all for opening new stations (Transport Scotland is planning another at East Linton, about halfway between Drem and Dunbar), but they are useless without a decent service.
  2. Unhelpful, not useful; pointless (of an action).
    I think it's useless to keep this discussion going. It's like talking to a brick wall.
    I tried my best to make him quit smoking, but my efforts were useless. He now smokes six packs a day.
  3. (derogatory, of a person) Good-for-nothing; not dependable.
    Bill never mows the lawn, takes out the trash or anything. He's useless, but I love him anyways.
  4. (colloquial, of a person) Unable to do well at a particular task or thing. Useless is mildly insulting.
    My brother is useless at most computer games, but he is an awesome PS2 player.
    Why do you keep trying? You're obviously useless at it.

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