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

Faster optical processing could help sensors deliver useful information to operators sooner. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Less minimalist than the all-electric Ariya, the new Rogue Hybrid has buttons and switches for most of its controls and a useful amount of storage built into the interior. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026

Anthony says that trendy workouts such as Pilates, HIIT, and Zone 2 training can be useful as long as the underlying training makes sense. — Laura Solla, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

From acrylic canisters for the pantry to the right under-the-sink storage in a bathroom, organization containers are useful. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 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