Words / A2

YOOSL-uh-s/ˈjuːsləs/

Useless means not helpful; not doing what you need: a useless tool, completely useless, it is useless to. Useful is the opposite. Unnecessary means you do not need it; useless means it does not work or help. Hopeless is about a person or situation with no chance. Do not write useless when you mean use less (two words), or uselessly.

Meaning

Not helpful; not doing what you need.

Examples

• “A torch with no batteries is useless.”
• “Without the code, the card is useless.”
• “It is useless to phone after the office has closed.”

Good to know

completely useless / it is useless to. Opposite: useful. Contrast: unnecessary. Mix-up: use less.

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