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

Despite their groundbreaking technology, these tests still require diagnostic stewardship to use correctly, or their results can be useless, confusing, or even harmful. — Daniel Morgan, STAT, 6 July 2026

The underwater navigation itself is also power-hungry, as the robot has to rely on inertial sensors and acoustic Doppler velocity logging to track its position, since satellite navigation is useless once it's submerged. — New Atlas, 5 July 2026

At any rate, upon election my first official act would be to file legislation to do away with the useless job. — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026

The six Republican appointees said those protections were effectively useless and not binding. — Leah Litman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026