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

In a nutshell, thermodynamic computing seeks to harness thermal noise—the ubiquitous microscopic jiggling of electrons caused by heat—to execute useful computation. —Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026

In France, a lawmaker previously noted during parliamentary proceedings a few years ago that China’s social credit system could be a useful behavioral control model. —Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026

Not to mention, these rugs can be useful for designating zones and areas, especially in an open floor plan. —Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 21 June 2026

Kornegay's media background became unexpectedly useful. —Arkansas Online, 21 June 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