easy
The flashlight was useless without batteries.
What does Useless mean?
Useless means not useful.
Dictionary definition
Useless means not helpful or not able to do what is needed.
Example sentences
Useless in a sentence
medium
A map is useless if no one can read the labels.
hard
In writing, a detail may be useless if it does not explain, support, or connect to the main idea.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice useless in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Useless
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does useless mean?
Useless describes something that does not help or cannot do what is needed.
Practice 2
Which word is a useful contrast for useless?
Useful is the direct contrast because useless means not useful.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses useless correctly?
A key that does not fit cannot help with its purpose.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Useless
Voice settings
Sounds like
yoos · lis · strongest beat: yoos
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUseless.
Partadjective.
MeaningUseless means not useful.
ExampleExample: The flashlight was useless without batteries.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- yoos · lis
- Strongest beat
- yoos
- Ending
- lis
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on yoos.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Useless
unhelpfulUse when something does not help.
ineffectiveUse when something does not work well for a purpose.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice useless synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "It was futile to look for stars at noon," then compare close word choices. Practice useless synonyms.
Word family
Useless word family
Related words
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Student support
Understand Useless
Hint for students
Useless means something does not help or cannot do what is needed. The sentence should show the purpose that is not being met.
Common mix-up
Do not use useless to insult a person. Use it for tools, details, plans, or actions that do not help a purpose.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows useless without using the word useless. Then underline the clue words that show something does not help or cannot do its job. Example: The remote could not turn on the TV because it had no batteries. Clue words: remote, could not turn on, no batteries Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something that does not help or cannot do its job?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The flashlight was useless without batteries." Why does useless fit better than useful?
Learning activities
Practice Useless and explore more word games
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