useless

word · lemma: use

/ˈjusɫəs/
YOOS-luhs
/jˈuːsləs/
YOOS-luhs

Definition

If something is useless, it has no practical use or does not help in a situation. It can also describe a person who is not effective at doing something, often in a critical way.

Usage & Nuances

Common with objects, advice, tools, and efforts: 'a useless app', 'useless information'. When used for people ('I'm useless at math', 'He’s useless in the kitchen'), it can sound harsh, though speakers also use it humorously about themselves. Stronger and more negative than 'not helpful'.

Example Sentences

This key is useless. It doesn't open the door.

basic

Without batteries, the toy is useless.

basic

I'm useless at drawing.

basic

Their customer service was completely useless, so I fixed the problem myself.

natural

That map turned out to be useless once we lost internet.

natural

Don't ask me to cook—I’m useless in the kitchen.

natural