Synonyms of useless

useless

adjective

ˈyüs-ləs 

1

as in impractical

not capable of being put to use or account

a garage full of useless junk

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impractical
• unusable
• unsuitable
• unworkable
• impracticable
• unserviceable
• inoperable
• unavailable
• inaccessible
• nonpractical
• unobtainable
• inert
• unreachable
• unattainable
• inoperative
• inactive
• idle
• latent
• unrealistic
• fallow
• dormant
• free
• arrested
• interrupted
• suspended
• dead

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• useful
• practical
• feasible
• usable
• functional
• applicable
• operational
• workable
• available
• serviceable
• practicable
• operable
• obtainable
• accessible
• utilizable
• handy
• ultrapractical
• active
• reachable
• procurable
• operating
• busy
• acquirable
• functioning
• operative
• employed
• working
• alive
• running
• all-around

2

as in futile

producing no results

a useless attempt to reach an agreement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• futile
• unsuccessful
• ineffective
• worthless
• unprofitable
• ineffectual
• in vain
• unavailing
• unproductive
• fruitless
• vain
• impossible
• abortive
• insufficient
• meaningless
• inadequate
• of no avail
• profitless
• empty
• pointless
• barren
• inefficacious
• bootless
• not worth the candle
• valueless
• otiose
• no dice
• hollow
• lost
• hopeless
• idle
• lacking
• unattainable
• counterproductive
• wanting
• no-win

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• effective
• efficient
• successful
• profitable
• productive
• virtuous
• deadly
• fruitful
• worthwhile
• meaningful
• potent
• sufficient
• adequate
• effectual
• efficacious
• practical
• feasible
• functional
• usable
• applicable
• workable
• practicable
• realizable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of useless

But from how the thudding steps gained on me, my efforts were useless. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

The wrong answer, no matter how inexpensive or how fast it has been delivered, is useless. — Bruce Kelley, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Countless vigilantes have taken to the roadways armed with trash bags, spray paint, laser pointers, and power drills to render the surveillance poles useless, resulting in arrests and investigations by police. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 30 July 2026

The consistency of this patter is remarkable; to be able to just keep talking, no matter how boring the topic or useless the product, can be downright impressive to watch. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026