pointless

adjective

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

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.
That aggressive pursuit seems especially pointless in the (still very cryptic) big picture scope that Tsuta displays — the film transporting into 35mm color film, widescreen landscape shots showing dilapidated buildings and other dead things while the rest of nature carries on. Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024 It’s being kept around after in a pointless fashion. Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 But Alignment is pointless without vision and guidance. Dr. Marcus Krug, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 If that's not enough, the film has essentially been rendered pointless in the grand scheme of the Conjuring universe, as the other Annabelle movies explore the doll's origins and connection to the Warrens in far greater detail, leaving this first installment in an awkward, redundant middle ground. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pointless 

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pointless was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near pointless

Cite this Entry

“Pointless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointless. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pointless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!