useless
- 1Having no use, and not able to be used for anything.
Like a key that doesn't fit any lock.
The broken umbrella was useless in the heavy rain.
This old phone is useless now because the battery won't charge.
Similarunusable
Oppositeuseful, usable, functional
- 2Not helpful and having no point, so it is a waste of effort.
Like pushing a door that you are supposed to pull.
Arguing with him was useless because he never listens.
It is useless to water the plants during a rainstorm.
Similarpointless, futile, fruitless, vain, ineffective
Oppositeuseful, worthwhile, effective, fruitful
- 3Bad at doing a certain thing, and often used as a mild insult.
Like a chef who can't even boil an egg.
He's useless at fixing cars, so he always calls a mechanic.
I'm completely useless in the kitchen and burn everything I cook.
Similarhopeless, terrible, bad, inept, incompetent
- 4Lazy or worthless, and not able to be trusted to do anything well.
Like an alarm that never goes off when you need it.
Her useless boyfriend never helps around the house.
They called him useless because he broke every promise he made.
Similarworthless, hopeless, unreliable, incompetent, good-for-nothing
Oppositereliable, dependable, competent, capable
Practice
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Origin
From the word "use" plus "-less," meaning without use.