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 Conditions at home kept worsening, and her husband, a butcher with his own small business, faced extortion even as the local currency was all but worthless. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2024 That for-profit company took OpenAI from worthless to a valuation of $90 billion in just a few years — and Altman is largely credited as the mastermind of that plan and the key to the company’s success. David Goldman, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 That for-profit company took OpenAI from effectively worthless to a valuation of $90 billion in just a few years — and Altman is largely credited as the mastermind of that plan and the key to the company’s success. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 If Altman hadn’t returned to OpenAI, under threat of nearly all of its employees quitting in protest of Altman’s termination, VCs could have easily seen their shares of the company become worthless. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2023 When John Cheeks attempted to claim his prize money, he was told that the seven numbers listed on the DC Lottery website were not the ones broadcast and his ticket was deemed worthless. Essence, 20 Feb. 2024 Feeling worthless, helpless, and overall emptiness are common symptoms. Jordyn Bradley, Fortune Well, 15 Feb. 2024 Forbes reported almost a decade ago on how supposedly worthless liberal arts degrees could be a hot ticket in the tech world because the writing, critical thinking and communication skills emphasized at liberal arts schools add value amid a staff of specialized, left-brain thinkers. Emma Whitford, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 So, Bill Goldman gave us the lesson that revenge is a worthless quest. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'worthless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near worthless

Cite this Entry

“Worthless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worthless. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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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