worthless

adjective

worth·​less ˈwərth-ləs 

1

a

: lacking worth : valueless

worthless currency

b

: useless

worthless to continue searching

2

: contemptible, despicable

a worthless criminal

worthlessly adverb

worthlessness noun

Synonyms of worthless

• empty
• valueless
• cheap
• flawed
• no-good
• vain

Examples of worthless in a Sentence

The boots may be nice, but they're worthless if they don't fit you.

She's depressed and believes that she's worthless.

Recent Examples on the Web

Google, ChatGPT, Alexa and every other AI toy are all equally worthless here. —Mac Engel march 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026

That would leave Thoma Bravo’s $5 billion of equity in the company close to worthless. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026

In turn, many foreign governments and central banks have grown wary of holding assets that can be frozen or rendered worthless overnight. —Aly J Yale, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026

After 10 or 15 years, these CVT cars may become worthless boat anchors, while their gear transmission cousins are still in the prime of life. —Ed Sokalski, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

worthless

adjective

worth·​less ˈwərth-ləs 

1

a

: lacking worth : valueless

b

: useless

worthless to continue searching

2

: deserving of hatred or pity

a worthless coward

worthlessly adverb

worthlessness noun