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"Worthless" vs. "useless": exploring value in words

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 04/10/2024, 15:59

English.me team member

Worthless and useless. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "worthless" and "useless" suggest a lack of value, effectiveness, or utility.

What is different?

"Worthless" implies lacking monetary or intrinsic value, while "useless" refers to lacking practical utility or function.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for worthless) and useless

Examples of usage

Worthless

The counterfeit money is worthless.
Without the proper context, the data is worthless.

Useless

The pen was out of ink and completely useless.
Trying to fix the broken device without the right tools was useless.

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