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

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

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

Colleges and universities reconsider the SAT Because of concerns about the usefulness of the SAT in college admissions, around 2000 about 280 colleges and universities moved to make the SAT an optional part of the admissions process. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Now, a group from Stanford University has found a way to advance their usefulness for studying brain development and disease — by instead growing them inside mice that have had large parts of their own brains genetically removed. — Megan Molteni, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing usefulness

• outlive one's usefulness