Pointless
ˈpɔɪntləs
Definitions
Having no purpose or point; serving no useful end.
ˈpɔɪntləs
Lacking purpose or effect
It's pointless to argue about things that can't be changed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to open a door but you're using a banana peel. It's pointless! It won't help you open the door at all.
👶 For kids: When something doesn't help or make sense, it's pointless, like trying to use a spoon to comb your hair.
More Examples
The search was proving to be pointless as they had no leads.
Trying to reason with him was a pointless endeavor.
He considered the exercise pointless, as he already knew the information.
How It's Used
"The argument was pointless because no one changed their mind."
"Raising objections after the verdict was pointless."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From 'point' (a specific item or goal) + '-less' (without). Emerged in the 17th century to describe something lacking a purpose or use.
Used since the 17th century, appearing in writings across a wide range of topics, from scientific discussions to literary works, with little change in its core meaning.
Memory tip
Think of a target without a bullseye – pointless!
Word Origin
"a sharp or tapered end; a specific item or purpose"