What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
useless
Example
This broken watch is useless. [useless: adjective]
Example
He's a useless employee who never gets anything done. [useless: adjective]
Example
Trying to fix this old computer is useless. [useless: adjective]
pointless
Example
Arguing with him is pointless. [pointless: adjective]
Example
I find watching reality TV shows to be pointless. [pointless: adjective]
Example
Trying to change his mind is pointless. [pointless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useless is more commonly used than pointless in everyday language. Useless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pointless is more specific and often used in more informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between useless and pointless?
Both useless and pointless are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts.
