worthless

adjective

worth·​less ˈwərth-ləs 

1

a

: lacking worth : valueless

worthless currency

b

: useless

worthless to continue searching

2

: contemptible, despicable

a worthless criminal

worthlessly adverb

worthlessness noun

Synonyms

• chaffy
• empty
• junky
• no-good
• null
• vain
• valueless

Examples of worthless in a Sentence

The boots may be nice, but they're worthless if they don't fit you.

She's depressed and believes that she's worthless.

Recent Examples on the Web

Eliminating these protections raises the bar for relief and could leave students stuck with debt for worthless credits. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

The promise of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore the steep cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program was a worthless lie, betraying the heroes and victims of 9/11. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025

Or is it led by Jeb Boasberg, an unelected U.S. District Judge, supported by a spineless, weak, worthless U.S. Supreme Court? Rise up, America. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025

Removing or reforming colleges with chronically poor outcomes means fewer borrowers entering repayment with no degree or worthless credentials. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

worthless

adjective

worth·​less ˈwərth-ləs 

1

a

: lacking worth : valueless

b

: useless

worthless to continue searching

2

: deserving of hatred or pity

a worthless coward

worthlessly adverb

worthlessness noun