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

Clear communication keeps collaboration useful without draining the spark. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026

Leave room for edits, and let useful surprises show you the smarter way forward. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026

The technology could be particularly useful for critical minerals because deposits can be difficult to identify from surface observations alone. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

Michael Carrick is aiming to build on the positive early signs from his interim spell, while the club has made some useful additions. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 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