meaningless

adjective

mean·​ing·​less ˈmē-niŋ-ləs 

1

: having no meaning

especially : lacking any significance

felt his work was meaningless

2

: having no assigned function in a language system

meaninglessly adverb

meaninglessness noun

Synonyms of meaningless

• pointless
• absurd
• stupid
• inane
• silly
• irrational
• empty
• foolish

Examples of meaningless in a Sentence

He felt that his work was meaningless.

The movie was filled with meaningless violence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sadly, these beliefs become meaningless when college turns into a test of how much a person can endure instead of a career path. —Liam McCusker, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026

The right to life is the most basic because without life, the rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness are meaningless. —James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026

Quarterback Dak Prescott played only the first half of the meaningless game, completing 7 of 11 passes for 70 yards. —Jim Barnes january 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2026

Their high school math grades were essentially meaningless, rising even as their actual math skills declined. —David Blobaum, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

meaningless

adjective

mean·​ing·​less ˈmē-niŋ-ləs 

1

: having no meaning or significance

meaningless chatter

2

: lacking motive

a meaningless murder

meaninglessly adverb

meaninglessness noun