senseless

adjective

sense·​less ˈsen(t)s-ləs How to pronounce senseless (audio)
: destitute of, deficient in, or contrary to sense: such as
a
: unconscious
knocked senseless
b
: foolish, stupid
it was some senseless practical jokeA. Conan Doyle
c
: meaningless
a senseless murder
senselessly adverb
senselessness noun

Examples of senseless in a Sentence

Don't be such a senseless idiot! she collapsed, senseless, after hitting her head
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many Iranians who hate their government nonetheless cheered the end of the war, and decried the senseless death of their countrymen at the hands of a faraway government whose concern for Iranian life was open to doubt. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025 No, Task is most interested in serving up a drama about people in pain making their way through a world filled with senseless cruelty and overseen (depending on your religious beliefs) by an indifferent God. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families and loved ones in our communities who are impacted by yet another senseless act of violence. Liam Quinn, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families and all who have been impacted by this senseless and cowardly act. Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for senseless

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of senseless was circa 1547

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Senseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/senseless. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

senseless

adjective
sense·​less ˈsen(t)-sləs How to pronounce senseless (audio)
1
: unconscious entry 1 sense 2
knocked senseless
2
3
: pointless sense 1, meaningless
a senseless act
senselessly adverb
senselessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on senseless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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