pointless

adjective

point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs 

1

: devoid of meaning : senseless

a pointless remark

2

: devoid of effectiveness : flat

pointless attempts to be funny

pointlessly adverb

pointlessness noun

Synonyms of pointless

• meaningless

Examples of pointless in a Sentence

It would be pointless for us to continue the investigation.

a pointless remark that left everyone scratching their heads in confusion

Recent Examples on the Web

In many cases, the presence of AI in the classroom is a solution in search of a problem — just like the ludicrous, pointless innovations by the Laputan scientists. — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

Sweat is running down the backs of my legs, and beside me, a small child is digging a hole in the sand—something pointless and therefore extremely important, in the way things done by children often are. — Emma Watson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Yet there are some that are just completely absurd and pointless. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026

Elevating this pointless statistic to the level of a national emergency never made any sense. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pointless

adjective

point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs 

1

: lacking meaning : senseless

a pointless remark

2

: ineffective sense 1

pointless attempts to be funny

pointlessly adverb

pointlessness noun