meaningless

adjective

mean·​ing·​less ˈmē-niŋ-ləs 

1

: having no meaning

especially : lacking any significance

2

: having no assigned function in a language system

meaninglessly adverb

meaninglessness noun

Synonyms

• 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

Zhu compared himself to an old official under a new emperor; the change had left him with little to do but punch in and write meaningless reports. —Lavender Au, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025

Because the Patriots would go on to score 42 consecutive points before a meaningless touchdown drive by the Panthers in the final minutes, Canales’ head-scratching call the play before Jones’ return has drawn scrutiny. —Joseph Person, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

The big numbers coming into the Giants’ otherwise meaningless season finale were 163, 217 and 30. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025

That opportunity could be there this weekend if the games are meaningless in terms of seeding. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025

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