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

The reactor is particularly useful here because its enormous energy supply can power these life-support systems continuously. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

The city offered a large stadium, a useful location on the eastern seaboard and an engaged venue and franchise owner. — Daniel Gallan, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

What’s more useful in understanding the world is a straightforward accounting of it—a kind of double-entry inventory of its characteristics. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

The more useful question is which routine a person is most likely to keep using. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 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