English Lexicon

Useless

/ˈjuːs.ləs/
adjectiveCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #2100 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Not able to provide service or assistance; of no use.

    "The broken machine was completely useless for the project."
  2. 2

    Having no practical value or purpose.

    "He felt that the old book was useless since he had already read it."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the English noun 'use' (from Old French 'user', from Latin 'uti') combined with the Germanic suffix '-less' (from Old English '-lēas', meaning devoid of or lacking). The compound has been used since the late 14th century to denote something lacking practical utility or serving no purposeful function.

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