pointless

adjective

point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs 

1

: devoid of meaning : senseless

a pointless remark

2

: devoid of effectiveness : flat

pointless attempts to be funny

pointlessly adverb

pointlessness noun

Synonyms

• empty
• inane
• meaningless
• senseless

Examples of pointless in a Sentence

It would be pointless for us to continue the investigation.

a pointless remark that left everyone scratching their heads in confusion

Recent Examples on the Web

That this may be the only way to avoid another chaotic, pointless speaker fight is ultimately commentary on the quality of a fraction of the GOP backbench, not of the leadership. —The Editors, National Review, 22 Apr. 2024

Rather than preemptively banning certain uses of AI or getting lost in pointless debates around existential risks, the U.K.’s AI regulatory proposals aim to develop guardrails and best practices in areas such as transparency, human oversight, and ethical considerations. —Victor Riparbelli, Fortune Europe, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pointless

adjective

point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs 

1

: lacking meaning : senseless

a pointless remark

2

: ineffective sense 1

pointless attempts to be funny

pointlessly adverb

pointlessness noun