useful

adjective

use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl How to pronounce useful (audio)
Synonyms of usefulnext
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 How to pronounce useful (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of useful

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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?
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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 claimed range could make the Bobber useful for those just wanting to ride to the convenience store every now and then, although, as with any EV, real-world distance will depend on factors such as riding style, terrain, temperature, and payload. — New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2026 This visual communication is very useful during simulated space missions on land, too, especially in situations when our communications technologies have not worked properly. — Michaela Musilova, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Meet the Minds Behind Poetry in Motion New York’s subway, from its founding, was dreamt as a public good in all senses, to provide a useful and reliable service that was also a pleasant place to be. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 That setup is especially useful for complex requests like a multi-day itinerary. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of useful was in 1595

Phrases Containing useful

Browse Nearby Words

usee
useful
useful idiot
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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/useful. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

useful

adjective
use·​ful ˈyüs-fəl How to pronounce useful (audio)
1
: capable of being put to use : usable
useful scraps of material
2
: having practical value
a useful invention
usefully
-fə-lē How to pronounce useful (audio)
adverb
usefulness noun
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