1
as in impractical
not capable of being put to use or account
a garage full of useless junk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results
a useless attempt to reach an agreement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of useless
For years, the trend in consumption was beautiful but useless trash.
—
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
In a joint status report filed last week, Schuman’s lawyers agreed mediation seemed useless.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2026
The Ellis Island screening was a useless predictor of the path the immigrant would choose once in the USA .
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026
But after 60, the objective should change — not because saving is useless, but because the goal changes.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useless
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
In a joint status report filed last week, Schuman’s lawyers agreed mediation seemed useless.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2026
The Ellis Island screening was a useless predictor of the path the immigrant would choose once in the USA .
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026
But after 60, the objective should change — not because saving is useless, but because the goal changes.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useless
Adjective
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Along with complaints about the building’s size, the Geffen Galleries’ heavy use of concrete had been criticized as an impractical choice for hanging art.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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Erdoğan’s speeches are full of practical advice about how to destroy the left, such as calling progressives lazy, impractical alcoholics funded by globalist lobbies and contrasting the efficiency of an imperial president with the messiness of parliamentary policymaking.—
Kaya Genç,
The Dial,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The metallic sheets cannot stop the damage Echard seeks to impose on her canvases, much like those tinfoil hats that some use in confused, futile efforts to shield themselves from pernicious invisible forces.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
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But other professors, perhaps concluding that resistance is futile, are adjusting to the media their students grew up on.—
Rose Horowitch,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In previous winters, the bathroom pipes in his unit froze making the toilet and shower unusable, but property managers resolved it within a day or two, DeFelice said.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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Here are examples of what to avoid in winter, including the number one item that could turn your black gold into a stinky, unusable mess.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Star-Telegram attempted to reach Atkins for comment, but was unsuccessful.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
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Last year, the moderate Democrat took on a crowded field of candidates in an unsuccessful bid to become New York City mayor.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Of the 47 places Western Ghats king cobras were rescued across the state between 2002 and 2024, five were completely unsuitable locations, including one snake found in a port city around 120 kilometers away by train from its natural range.—
Richard Kemeny,
Scientific American,
6 Feb. 2026
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Nelly Korda won for the first time in 14 months without having to hit a shot Sunday when the LPGA Tour reduced the season-opening Tournament of Champions to 54 holes because of wind and cold that led officials to deem Lake Nona unsuitable for a final round.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Useless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useless. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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