usefulness

noun

use·​ful·​ness ˈyüs-fəl-nəs 

: the quality of having utility and especially practical worth or applicability

Synonyms of usefulness

• use
• avail
• utility

Examples of usefulness in a Sentence

the well-known usefulness of thick phone books as seat boosters for short diners

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside Kalshi, employees have debated the usefulness of mention markets, with Kalshi co-founder Luana Lopes Lara especially championing them, according to the former Kalshi staffer. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

As the report found, TV ads have not outlived their usefulness. — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026

Picky Miss Manners is not quite happy that any submitted so far would pass her test for usefulness. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Today’s class of Arab comics agrees that this mode of comedy, while necessary at the time, has outlived its usefulness. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing usefulness

• outlive one's usefulness