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

But the truth is no one feels tired when the Cactus League games begin, and meaningless exhibitions serve as an appetizer for the season ahead. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

That there will arise a time when everything that came before is meaningless. —Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026

Once a home is gone, the HOA and condominium law reforms our legislators are working on are meaningless. —Michael P. Mayoral, Sun Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026

The stakes are not equal; her dream of a future could be a meaningless flirtation to him. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 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