meaningless

adjective

mean·​ing·​less ˈmē-niŋ-ləs 

1

: having no meaning

especially : lacking any significance

felt his work was meaningless

2

: having no assigned function in a language system

meaninglessly adverb

meaninglessness noun

Synonyms of meaningless

• pointless
• absurd
• stupid
• inane
• silly
• irrational
• empty
• foolish

Examples of meaningless in a Sentence

He felt that his work was meaningless.

The movie was filled with meaningless violence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because the mind is always interrupting with nonsensical thoughts that are completely meaningless, most of the time, and a lot of times negative. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

Why invest trillions in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, or medical research if the outcome—people living longer, healthier lives—registers as meaningless? —Andrew Behar, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026

The next frontier for meaningless records? —Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026

The White House already had dismissed the protests as meaningless. —Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

meaningless

adjective

mean·​ing·​less ˈmē-niŋ-ləs 

1

: having no meaning or significance

meaningless chatter

2

: lacking motive

a meaningless murder

meaninglessly adverb

meaninglessness noun