pointless

adjective

point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs How to pronounce pointless (audio)
Synonyms of pointlessnext
1
: devoid of meaning : senseless
a pointless remark
2
: devoid of effectiveness : flat
pointless attempts to be funny
pointlessly adverb
pointlessness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If so, Polis’ cave-in was pointless. Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 Some portion of eligible people are probably discouraged from applying at all, believing the lottery system to be rigged or pointless. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026 The smoothest operator-founder relationship in the world is also the most pointless one because nobody is challenging anybody. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Still, Kucherov has gone pointless in two consecutive games with so much on the line. Arpon Basu, New York Times, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pointless

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pointless was in 1673

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Cite this Entry

“Pointless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointless. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

pointless

adjective
point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs How to pronounce pointless (audio)
1
: lacking meaning : senseless
a pointless remark
2
: ineffective sense 1
pointless attempts to be funny
pointlessly adverb
pointlessness noun

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