What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meaningless
Example
The speech was full of meaningless jargon. [meaningless: adjective]
Example
She felt like her job was meaningless and unfulfilling. [meaningless: adjective]
pointless
Example
Arguing with him is pointless, he never listens. [pointless: adjective]
Example
I find most reality TV shows to be completely pointless. [pointless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pointless is slightly more common than meaningless in everyday language, but both words are used regularly.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meaningless and pointless?
Both meaningless and pointless are relatively neutral in terms of formality, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
