senseless

adjective

sense·​less ˈsen(t)s-ləs 

: destitute of, deficient in, or contrary to sense: such as

a

: unconscious

knocked senseless

b

: foolish, stupid

it was some senseless practical joke

—A. Conan Doyle

c

: meaningless

a senseless murder

senselessly adverb

senselessness noun

Synonyms

• cold
• insensible
• unconscious

Examples of senseless in a Sentence

Don't be such a senseless idiot!

she collapsed, senseless, after hitting her head

Recent Examples on the Web

To lose their youngest child in such a violent and senseless manner is absolutely heartbreaking. —Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

Both Biggie and Reena died tragically young, lives cut short by acts of senseless violence, with stories that have been dissected and discussed for decades. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 29 May 2024

His older cousin Regina Harris said his senseless death is a reminder of how youth are operating these days with no regard for human life. —Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 22 May 2024

Looking at today’s Russia, some might be tempted to argue that such forms of solidarity are senseless. —Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1547, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

senseless

adjective

sense·​less ˈsen(t)-sləs 

1

: unconscious entry 1 sense 2

knocked senseless

2

: foolish, stupid

3

: pointless sense 1, meaningless

a senseless act

senselessly adverb

senselessness noun