Worthless
/ˈwɜːθləs/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving no value, usefulness, or importance.
/ˈwɜːθləs/
Lacking value or importance.
The old, broken toy was completely worthless.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a toy that's broken and doesn't work. It's so broken that it's not even fun anymore. That's like something that's worthless – it has no value or use.
👶 For kids: Not good for anything.
More Examples
His efforts to fix the problem were worthless and didn't help at all.
The information provided proved to be worthless, and did not change the outcome.
How It's Used
"The stock became worthless after the company went bankrupt."
"After his betrayal, her promises seemed worthless."
"The evidence presented was deemed worthless by the jury."
Lacking any admirable qualities; having low self-esteem.
/ˈwɜːθləs/
Lacking any admirable qualities.
After the divorce, she felt completely worthless and alone.
💡 Simply: Imagine you feel like you're not good at anything and that nothing you do matters. That feeling is like feeling worthless.
👶 For kids: Feeling like you're not good at anything.
More Examples
The constant negativity made him feel worthless.
Despite his accomplishments, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was worthless.
How It's Used
"He felt worthless after losing his job."
"The constant criticism made her feel worthless."
Synonyms
Futile
Ineffective
Pointless
Useless
Despicable
Inferior
Insignificant
From "worth" + "-less". "Worth" comes from Old English "weorþ" meaning "value, price, or deserving". "-less" is a suffix indicating absence or without.
The word 'worthless' has been used since the 16th century to describe things or people lacking value or merit.
Memory tip
Think of something you would throw away: if it's worthless, it's not worth keeping.