Dictionary
English - Japanese
Useless
ˈjusləs
Very common
~ 2400
~ 2400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
無駄 (むだ), 役に立たない (やくにたたない), 無益 (むえき), 無意味 (むいみ)
Useless meanings in Japanese
無駄 (むだ)
Example:
This project is useless.
このプロジェクトは無駄です。
It's useless to argue with him.
彼と議論するのは無駄です。
Usage: InformalContext: Used when emphasizing something that has no value or purpose.
Note: This term conveys a sense of futility and is commonly used in everyday conversation.
役に立たない (やくにたたない)
Example:
This tool is useless.
この道具は役に立たないです。
His advice turned out to be useless.
彼のアドバイスは役に立たないことがわかった。
Usage: InformalContext: Used to describe something that does not help or serve a practical purpose.
Note: This phrase is often used in everyday conversation to express disappointment in something not being helpful.
無益 (むえき)
Example:
It's a useless discussion.
それは無益な議論です。
They engaged in a useless debate.
彼らは無益な議論を交わした。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in more formal contexts, often in writing or speeches.
Note: This term suggests a lack of benefit and is more commonly found in literary or academic discussions.
無意味 (むいみ)
Example:
His actions were useless and meaningless.
彼の行動は無意味で無駄だった。
It feels useless to continue this project.
このプロジェクトを続けるのは無意味に感じる。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Can be used in both casual and formal settings, often to emphasize the lack of significance.
Note: This term can carry a philosophical connotation, suggesting that something lacks intrinsic value.
Useless's synonyms
worthless
Something that is worthless has no value or usefulness.
Example: The broken watch was deemed worthless and thrown away.
Note: Worthless can imply a complete lack of value, whereas useless often implies a lack of practicality or effectiveness.
ineffective
Something that is ineffective does not achieve the desired results or goals.
Example: The new marketing strategy proved to be ineffective in attracting customers.
Note: Ineffective specifically refers to the failure to produce the intended or desired outcome.
unavailing
Something that is unavailing is not effective or successful in achieving its intended purpose.
Example: Despite their efforts, the rescue mission was unavailing in finding the lost hikers.
Note: Unavailing suggests a lack of success or accomplishment in achieving a specific goal or purpose.
Useless expressions, common phrases
Good for nothing
This phrase describes someone or something that is completely useless or worthless.
Example: He's so lazy, always sitting around being good for nothing.
Note: This phrase emphasizes a lack of value or utility more strongly than just saying 'useless.'
A waste of space
Refers to something or someone who serves no purpose and only takes up room.
Example: That old broken chair is just a waste of space in the garage.
Note: It conveys the idea of not only being useless but also occupying unnecessary or valuable space.
No use
Indicates that there is no point or benefit in attempting something because it will not work or be successful.
Example: It's no use trying to fix that old radio; it's beyond repair.
Note: It directly conveys the futility or lack of practicality in a situation.
Dead weight
Refers to someone or something that is a burden or hindrance, providing no assistance and dragging others down.
Example: Carrying him on the team is like having dead weight slowing us down.
Note: It implies not only being useless but also actively detrimental or burdensome.
Barking up the wrong tree
Suggests pursuing a course of action that is unlikely to succeed or seeking help from someone who cannot provide it.
Example: You're barking up the wrong tree if you think he'll help, he's useless in this situation.
Note: It focuses more on the misdirection or inefficacy of one's efforts rather than just being useless.
In vain
Means that something was done unsuccessfully or without achieving the desired result.
Example: All our efforts to convince her were in vain; she still refused to listen.
Note: It highlights the lack of success or accomplishment despite the effort, emphasizing the uselessness of the action.
Futile
Describes actions that are incapable of producing any useful result, typically due to being pointless or ineffective.
Example: Their attempts to escape were futile; they were caught within minutes.
Note: This word conveys a sense of hopelessness or inevitability of failure more strongly than 'useless.'
Useless everyday (slang) expressions
Lame
Lame is a casual way to describe something as uninteresting, boring, or not impressive.
Example: That movie was so lame, I fell asleep halfway through.
Note: While 'useless' implies lack of utility or effectiveness, 'lame' focuses more on being unexciting or unimpressive.
Junk
Junk refers to things that are considered worthless, low-quality, or useless.
Example: Don't bother with that junk, it's not worth your time.
Note: Unlike 'useless' which directly means ineffective, 'junk' often implies poor quality or being unworthy.
Dud
A dud refers to something that fails to work as expected or is unsuccessful.
Example: The new software update turned out to be a complete dud, nothing works properly now.
Note: While 'useless' indicates lack of utility, 'dud' focuses on something that fails to fulfill its purpose or expectations.
Lousy
Lousy describes something of poor quality, disappointing, or not up to standard.
Example: I wasted all my money on this lousy product, it doesn't even work.
Note: Unlike 'useless' which specifically means lacking use, 'lousy' implies substandard quality or performance.
Useless - Examples
This gadget is useless.
I feel like my degree is useless.
The broken machine is completely useless.
Useless grammar
Useless - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: useless
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): useless
Syllables, Separation and Stress
useless Contains 2 syllables: use • less
Phonetic transcription: ˈyüs-ləs
use less , ˈyüs ləs (The red syllable is stressed)
Useless - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
useless: ~ 2400 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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