worthless

adjective

worth·​less ˈwərth-ləs How to pronounce worthless (audio)
1
a
: lacking worth : valueless
worthless currency
b
: useless
worthless to continue searching
2
: contemptible, despicable
a worthless criminal
worthlessly adverb
worthlessness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The incumbents protect the fort until the fort is worthless (cliche cf. Forrester, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Barring a last-second surprise, their bets are scheduled to expire worthless when the clock strikes 11 p.m. Texas local time. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 30 June 2025 Ready for a Vogue cover, a spot on 'ET,' more worthless performative nonsense. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 June 2025 What if your government made the calm, rational decision that your country must cease to exist, then set about shutting it down in stages, as the currency became worthless and the population scrambled to emigrate? Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for worthless

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of worthless was circa 1577

Cite this Entry

“Worthless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worthless. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

worthless

adjective
worth·​less ˈwərth-ləs How to pronounce worthless (audio)
1
a
: lacking worth : valueless
b
: useless
worthless to continue searching
2
: deserving of hatred or pity
a worthless coward
worthlessly adverb
worthlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on worthless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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