worthless

adjective worth·less \ ˈwərth-ləs \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of worthless

1 a : lacking worth : valueless

worthless currency

b : useless

worthless to continue searching

2 : contemptible, despicable

a worthless criminal

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worthlessly

adverb

—

worthlessness

noun

See worthless defined for English-language learners

See worthless defined for kids

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 of worthless from the Web

But the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority warns that impostors have been posing as securities regulators and offering ironclad investment guarantees in a phony pitch to buy up virtually worthless shares of stock.

— susan tompor, Detroit Free Press, "Robocalls are at a record high: How to avoid becoming a victim," 9 May 2018
Hyperinflation has made the currency virtually worthless, and malnutrition is endemic.

— fabiola zerpa, Bloomberg.com, "Venezuelan Soldiers Desert in Droves With Presidential Election Ahead," 7 May 2018
Cases like Tyler’s, however, are prompting lawsuits and new efforts by state and federal regulators to rein in potentially dangerous and worthless treatments.

— laurie mcginley, Washington Post, "Miracle cures or modern quackery? Stem cell clinics multiply, with heartbreaking results for some patients.," 29 Apr. 2018
Scenic designer Cameron Michalak has created a spectacular ruin of a place, cluttered with worthless crap - a mishmash of American eagle door plaques and old beer signs.

— andrea simakis, cleveland.com, "Dobama Theatre's 'Appropriate' is Long Day's Journey Into White (review)," 26 Apr. 2018
Talon became worthless overnight, the lawsuit says.

— audrey dutton, idahostatesman, "Eagle couple accuses Boise investment adviser of gambling away their retirement | Idaho Statesman," 24 Apr. 2018
All the bling is worthless without highly creative menus at every meal, Whiteman said.

— liz biro, Indianapolis Star, "Why restaurants in Indianapolis hotels don't have to suck," 12 Apr. 2018
All the while, Tully’s has shuttered store after store — from Everett to Bellevue, Tacoma to Seattle, and beyond — with employees left in limbo, landlords left unpaid and customers left holding now seemingly worthless loyalty cards.

— lewis kamb, The Seattle Times, "Before Stormy Daniels, her attorney faced allegations of dubious business dealings," 7 Apr. 2018
Last year this optionality was worthless, as the market went up almost in a straight line.

— james mackintosh, WSJ, "Cashing In: Why Cash Should Be in Your Portfolio Again," 5 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'worthless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of worthless

circa 1577

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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worthless Synonyms

WORTHLESS Defined for English Language Learners

worthless

adjective

Definition of worthless for English Language Learners

: having no financial value
: having no use, importance, or effect
: having no good qualities

WORTHLESS Defined for Kids

worthless

adjective worth·less \ ˈwərth-ləs \

Definition of worthless for Students

1 : lacking worth

Play money is worthless.

2 : useless

worthless junk

Learn More about worthless

See words that rhyme with worthless Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for worthless Spanish Central: Translation of worthless Nglish: Translation of worthless for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of worthless for Arabic speakers

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worthless

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worthlessly

worthlessness

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WORTHLESS Defined for English Language Learners

worthless

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worthless

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