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

Libra September 23 – October 22 Someone else’s perspective may reveal something about you that is uncomfortable but useful. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026

Werner said that capability could be particularly useful for departments dealing with staffing shortages. — Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Rolapp’s media background has been useful as the Tour seeks new ways to engage with fans through premium programming. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

Audience size still matters, particularly for discovery and brand partnerships, but the more useful question isn’t simply how many people a creator can reach. — Dor Isseroff, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 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