senseless

adjective

sense·​less ˈsen(t)s-ləs 

: destitute of, deficient in, or contrary to sense: such as

a

: unconscious

knocked senseless

b

: foolish, stupid

it was some senseless practical joke

—A. Conan Doyle

c

: meaningless

a senseless murder

senselessly adverb

senselessness noun

Synonyms

• cold
• insensible
• unconscious

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

Tech leaders’ muffled responses, even as Trump unleashes senseless attacks, will drive promising students to other countries and erode their industry’s contributions to our state and national economy. —Bruce Fuller, Mercury News, 7 June 2025

Tolstoy hoped those heroic fictions, designed to inspire young men to pursue senseless deaths, would be undone as war began to disturb peace. —Casey Cep, New Yorker, 6 June 2025

Our hearts are with her, her family, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 May 2025

Despite industry claims, nonessential (tourist and commuter) helicopters contribute little to the local economy, and the impact to tax-paying residents of noise and air pollution, the reduction of property values, and the senseless and avoidable loss of life, has a far higher cost. —Eric Katzman, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1547, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for senseless

• defenseless

Kids Definition

senseless

adjective

sense·​less ˈsen(t)-sləs 

1

: unconscious entry 1 sense 2

knocked senseless

2

: foolish, stupid

3

: pointless sense 1, meaningless

a senseless act

senselessly adverb

senselessness noun