senseless

adjective

sense·​less ˈsen(t)s-ləs 

: destitute of, deficient in, or contrary to sense: such as

a

: unconscious

knocked senseless

b

: foolish, stupid

it was some senseless practical joke

—A. Conan Doyle

c

: meaningless

a senseless murder

senselessly adverb

senselessness noun

Synonyms

• cold
• insensible
• unconscious

Examples of senseless in a Sentence

Don't be such a senseless idiot!

she collapsed, senseless, after hitting her head

Recent Examples on the Web

The daring hold-up occurred five days after an on-duty letter carrier was knifed to death during a senseless fight over a spot on a sandwich line in a Harlem deli. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025

The Saints were playing in their first game since the senseless act of violence took place in New Orleans’ French Quarter in the wee hours of New Year’s Day, a terror attack that killed 14 and left many more injured. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025

The latest tragedy has reignited painful memories and left the country grappling with the senseless loss of life, with senior politicians expressing their shock and horror. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

The purpose of Brown’s plea deal was to obtain justice for Sabrina’s senseless murder. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1547, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

senseless

adjective

sense·​less ˈsen(t)-sləs 

1

: unconscious entry 1 sense 2

knocked senseless

2

: foolish, stupid

3

: pointless sense 1, meaningless

a senseless act

senselessly adverb

senselessness noun