useful

adjective

use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl 

1

: capable of being put to use

especially : serviceable for an end or purpose

useful tools

2

: of a valuable or productive kind

do something useful with your life

usefully

ˈyüs-fə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• actionable
• applicable
• applicative
• applied
• functional
• practicable
• practical
• serviceable
• ultrapractical
• usable
• useable
• workable
• working

Examples of useful in a Sentence

Does anyone have any useful suggestions?

It can be useful to know CPR.

The Internet is useful for finding information quickly.

She has become one of the team's most useful players.

Why don't you do something useful with your life?

Recent Examples on the Web

Crown corporations can be very useful, but many are hard to justify in a time of rapidly increasing costs and taxes. —Wal Van Lierop, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Capsules are a convenient supplement option, while liquid is useful when cooking. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Because cold air is drier than warm air, humidifiers are especially useful in the winter. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024

These in-flight essentials are actually useful and would be a welcome gift for any avid traveler. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing useful

• come in useful
• come in useful/helpful
• make oneself useful
• prove (to be) useful
• useful idiot
• useful life

Kids Definition

useful

adjective

use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl 

1

: capable of being put to use : usable

useful scraps of material

2

: having practical value

a useful invention

usefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

usefulness noun