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

This new deduction will feel familiar and useful to regular givers who write a steady check to their church or a local charity each year. —Jennifer Horton, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Nov. 2025

Hinmay Mini Serving Tongs with Silicone Tips For serving, grabbing, and keeping your hands out of the toaster oven, mini serving tongs are useful in a busy kitchen. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025

The title remains useful for Meghan’s business activities, particularly in the United States. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025

However, due to the lack of training in their use, these are not very useful either. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

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