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

And yet, in certain ways, the film doesn’t go as deep as Orwell’s observations; its choice of illustrative material generally hews to contemporary party lines, even while showcasing wise words that render such distinctions all but meaningless. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025

Passion projects are paused indefinitely, tasks feel meaningless, and things at work that used to make sense now just seem pointless. —Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Of course, announcements are meaningless without plans — and the FDA is the only agency to announce a plan that lays out a three-year timeline and alternative testing strategies. —Rachel Fobar, Vox, 14 May 2025

For example, some parents may wonder if these behaviors are related to things like stimming (repetitive movement or sounds), echolalia (meaningless repetition of words), or self-regulation behaviors. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 12 May 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