What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meritless
Example
The movie received negative reviews and was deemed meritless by most critics. [meritless: adjective]
Example
His argument was meritless and failed to convince anyone. [meritless: adjective]
useless
Example
This broken watch is useless and cannot be repaired. [useless: adjective]
Example
He's a useless employee who never meets his deadlines. [useless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useless is more commonly used than meritless in everyday language. Useless is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and levels of formality, while meritless is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meritless and useless?
Meritless is a more formal word that is less commonly used in everyday language. It is typically used in more professional or academic settings. On the other hand, useless is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.