pointless

adjective

point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs How to pronounce pointless (audio)
Synonyms of pointless
1
: devoid of meaning : senseless
a pointless remark
2
: devoid of effectiveness : flat
pointless attempts to be funny
pointlessly adverb
pointlessness noun

Synonyms of pointless

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Examples of pointless in a Sentence

It would be pointless for us to continue the investigation. a pointless remark that left everyone scratching their heads in confusion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Elevating this pointless statistic to the level of a national emergency never made any sense. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026 Their views ranged from seeing the gathering as pointless to potentially harmful for battleground candidates. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Interdependence Without Dependence Washington’s pointless scrap with Canada may ultimately do Canada a favor. — Wal Van Lierop, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 In this sort of time regime, pointless, aimless time becomes a rarity, even a luxury—and an object of nostalgia. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pointless

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pointless was in 1673

Browse Nearby Words

point lace
pointless
pointlet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pointless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointless. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pointless

adjective
point·​less ˈpȯint-ləs How to pronounce pointless (audio)
1
: lacking meaning : senseless
a pointless remark
2
: ineffective sense 1
pointless attempts to be funny
pointlessly adverb
pointlessness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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