What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
worthlessness
Example
After losing his job, he felt a sense of worthlessness. [worthlessness: noun]
Example
The broken vase was now worthless and had to be thrown away. [worthless: adjective]
futility
Example
Trying to fix the old computer was an exercise in futility. [futility: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of futility as she struggled to complete the impossible task. [futile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Futility is more commonly used than worthlessness in everyday language. Futility is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while worthlessness is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between worthlessness and futility?
Both worthlessness and futility are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, futility may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
