1
as in impractical
not capable of being put to use or account
a garage full of useless junk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results
a useless attempt to reach an agreement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of useless
For years, the trend in consumption was beautiful but useless trash.
—
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
In a joint status report filed last week, Schuman’s lawyers agreed mediation seemed useless.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2026
The Ellis Island screening was a useless predictor of the path the immigrant would choose once in the USA .
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026
But after 60, the objective should change — not because saving is useless, but because the goal changes.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useless
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
In a joint status report filed last week, Schuman’s lawyers agreed mediation seemed useless.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2026
The Ellis Island screening was a useless predictor of the path the immigrant would choose once in the USA .
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026
But after 60, the objective should change — not because saving is useless, but because the goal changes.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useless
Adjective
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Along with complaints about the building’s size, the Geffen Galleries’ heavy use of concrete had been criticized as an impractical choice for hanging art.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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Erdoğan’s speeches are full of practical advice about how to destroy the left, such as calling progressives lazy, impractical alcoholics funded by globalist lobbies and contrasting the efficiency of an imperial president with the messiness of parliamentary policymaking.—
Kaya Genç,
The Dial,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The metallic sheets cannot stop the damage Echard seeks to impose on her canvases, much like those tinfoil hats that some use in confused, futile efforts to shield themselves from pernicious invisible forces.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
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But other professors, perhaps concluding that resistance is futile, are adjusting to the media their students grew up on.—
Rose Horowitch,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Here are examples of what to avoid in winter, including the number one item that could turn your black gold into a stinky, unusable mess.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
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Furthermore, Brown said, as the permafrost melts, Greenland’s ground will likely shift, making things like roads and runways buckled and unusable.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Star-Telegram attempted to reach Atkins for comment, but was unsuccessful.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
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Last year, the moderate Democrat took on a crowded field of candidates in an unsuccessful bid to become New York City mayor.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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There are significant worries that AI can readily go off the rails or otherwise dispense unsuitable or even egregiously inappropriate mental health advice.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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These turbines operate effectively in regions unsuitable for conventional wind farms, including mountainous terrain and remote coastal areas.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Useless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useless. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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