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

Of course, what's worth the money for one person may be completely useless to someone else, regardless of the cost. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Seventeen-year-old Bria spends her days working at her family’s inn and wishing her magical Gift weren’t utterly useless. — Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026

The Internet is full of useless slop—uncurated, jarring, and often vile. — Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026

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