useful

adjective

use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl 

1

: capable of being put to use

especially : serviceable for an end or purpose

useful tools

2

: of a valuable or productive kind

do something useful with your life

usefully

ˈyüs-fə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of useful

• applicable
• practical
• applied
• applicative

Examples of useful in a Sentence

Does anyone have any useful suggestions?

It can be useful to know CPR.

The Internet is useful for finding information quickly.

She has become one of the team's most useful players.

Why don't you do something useful with your life?

Recent Examples on the Web

Goats have become a useful tool in clearing unwanted vegetation in Pittsburgh's parks and green spaces. — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

The Chicago region’s subsurface ground conditions, along with its warm summers and cold winters, makes geothermal energy cost-effective and useful throughout the year, said Kenneth Maruyama, senior vice president of Tree Street Group. — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

That could make the vaccine more useful when a new flu strain emerges unexpectedly, which occurred last flu season. — Rob Stein, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

The power was useful during the tenure of Missouri’s last Democratic Governor Jay Nixon, but has been less essential during subsequent Republican administrations. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing useful

• come in useful
• come in useful/helpful
• make oneself useful
• prove (to be) useful
• useful idiot
• useful life

Kids Definition

useful

adjective

use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl 

1

: capable of being put to use : usable

useful scraps of material

2

: having practical value

a useful invention

usefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

usefulness noun