meaningless

adjective

mean·​ing·​less ˈmē-niŋ-ləs 

1

: having no meaning

especially : lacking any significance

2

: having no assigned function in a language system

meaninglessly adverb

meaninglessness noun

Synonyms

• empty
• inane
• pointless
• senseless

Examples of meaningless in a Sentence

He felt that his work was meaningless.

The movie was filled with meaningless violence.

Recent Examples on the Web

What happens during spring football — when many players are out recovering from surgery — is meaningless. —Manny Navarro, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

The infrastructure and bureaucracy of empire are largely meaningless in this milieu. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025

Several former officials shrug off move as meaningless The practical effects of the move are likely minimal. —Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025

Better specified job descriptions without meaningless corporate-speak make all our lives easier. —Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

meaningless

adjective

mean·​ing·​less ˈmē-niŋ-ləs 

1

: having no meaning or significance

meaningless chatter

2

: lacking motive

a meaningless murder

meaninglessly adverb

meaninglessness noun