DictionaryAI

useful

adjective
SayYOOS-ful/ˈjusfl̩/UK/ˈjuːsfl̩/AUS/ˈjʉːːsfəl/

2 meanings of useful

Practice

  1. 1
    helpfuladjective
    Able to help you do something or solve a problem.

    Like a tool that helps you finish a job faster.

    A map is really useful when you visit a new city.

    These tips were useful for cleaning the kitchen.

    UsageSay a useful (not incorrect: an useful). Something is useful for a job or useful to you.

    Similarserviceable, utilitarian, handy

    Oppositeuseless, unusable

  2. 2
    quite skilledadjectivecolloquialUKbritish
    Quite good at doing something, especially a sport.

    He's a useful footballer and plays for the village team every Saturday.

    My sister is pretty useful at tennis, so she'll give you a good game.

    UsageA small compliment: a useful player is good, though usually not a star.

    Similardecent, capable, competent, able

    Oppositehopeless, poor

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of useful apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From the word "use" plus the ending "-ful".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact