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?
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.
A little more chili on an already-spicy swangy snack could help restore the slowing effect that makes spice useful in the first place. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 The debate is a useful distraction, Lamar said, from real conversations over how to boost public safety. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 While useful for tracking expenditure and efficiency, simply counting tokens can be misleading. — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 Duncan argued the city has the authority to take action that is more useful for residents and said the city could not wait any longer. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 July 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

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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 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on useful

Nglish: Translation of useful for Spanish Speakers

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