it was pointless vs it was useless

Both phrases are correct and can be used interchangeably to express that something had no purpose or was not effective. They are similar in meaning and can be used in various contexts.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1346 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey that something had no purpose or was not worth doing.

"it was pointless"

This phrase is used to express that an action, event, or situation was without any point, aim, or use.

Examples:

The meeting was pointless as no decisions were made.
Arguing with him is pointless; he never listens.
Studying for the exam now seems pointless since I missed so many classes.
Trying to fix that old computer is pointless; it's beyond repair.
It's pointless to continue this discussion if we can't agree on the basics.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was pointless to even consider the idea. It was pointless to buy a bikini and wear it only once, so Carmen bought a black push-up bra and some skimpy black ...
"Pretty". Somebody told me it was pointless for me to come back. Into your arms. Said you fucked another man. Finally, I knew this day would come. Whoa oh oh
Sep 1, 2013 ... Somebody told me it was pointless for me to come back. Into your arms. Said you fucked another man. Finally, I knew this day would come
Nov 8, 2015 ... So it was pointless....... (self.assassinscreed). submitted 3 months ago by Python1026Work in the dark... I never finished AC: Unity when it came ...

Alternatives:

it was useless
it was futile
it was in vain
it was a waste of time
it was a lost cause

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey that something had no purpose or was not effective.

"it was useless"

This phrase is used to express that an action, event, or situation was without any use or value.

Examples:

All his efforts were useless; he couldn't change her mind.
Buying that expensive gadget turned out to be useless; it broke after a week.
Her advice was useless; it didn't help me at all.
Trying to fix the leak without the right tools was useless.
It was useless to try to convince him otherwise; he was set in his ways.

Show examples from the web [+]

She tried to work, but it was useless (= she wasn't able to). 2useless (at something/at doing something) (informal) not very good at something; not able to do ...
2. pointless, hopeless, futile, vain, idle, profitless She knew it was useless to protest. pointless worthwhile, profitable. 3. (Informal) inept, no good, hopeless, weak ...
They looked at the beautiful, large, thoughtful eyes full of tears and of thoughts, gazing shiningly and imploringly at them, and understood that it was useless and ...
it is useless to do something. It was useless to complain. 2 informal unable or unwilling to do anything properly : Don't ask Tim to fix it. He's completely useless.

Alternatives:

it was pointless
it was futile
it was in vain
it was a waste of time
it was a lost cause

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it was pointless vs it was useless

"it was pointless"

"it was useless"

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