usefulness

noun

use·​ful·​ness ˈyüs-fəl-nəs 

: the quality of having utility and especially practical worth or applicability

Synonyms of usefulness

• use
• avail
• utility

Examples of usefulness in a Sentence

the well-known usefulness of thick phone books as seat boosters for short diners

Recent Examples on the Web

Almeida saw a gap between models’ ability to answer people’s questions and their usefulness in automating routine work. — Wen Shao, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

The assumed inference is that travelers rely on Google for their travel needs and that informative brochures and knowledgeable attendants are a quaint idea that has outlived its usefulness. — Frank Hosek, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Ultimately, polling’s usefulness is limited, especially for an institution like the Supreme Court, writes Kate Shaw, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in an email. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026

So, despite being able to produce large numbers of the robots, key issues with task learning still limit their usefulness. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing usefulness

• outlive one's usefulness