pointless

[point-lis]

adjective

1. without a point.

   a pointless pen.

2. blunt, as an instrument.

3. without force, meaning, or relevance.

   a pointless remark.

   Synonyms: ineffectual, futile, unproductive, meaningless

4. without a point scored, as in a game.

   a pointless inning.

pointless

/ ˈpɔɪntlɪs /

adjective

1. without a point

2. without meaning, relevance, or force

3. sport without a point scored

Other Word Forms

• pointlessly adverb
• pointlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pointless¹

First recorded in 1300–50, pointless is from Middle English point les. See point, -less

Example Sentences

Every character in “Bugonia” is deeply lost; predator and prey, circling each other as a constant reminder that there is no escape in this pointless game.

Read more on Salon

But here’s the thing: I realized that Chat’s advice from earlier that week, which I’d written off as pointless, was virtually the same.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Although Ibrahim knows he’ll waste a day in the courthouse and it will almost certainly be pointless, he insists on attending every session, “just so Mohammed knows somebody came to that court.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Homework has long been a topic of debate, but in 2025 it is facing an existential crisis: Has artificial intelligence and its instant answers made it pointless or even counterproductive?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When I first read those sketches, they struck me as lovely but pointless, yet they have lingered with me over the years, like an indelible scent or flavor.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• absurd 
• aimless 
• fruitless 
• futile 
• impotent 
• inconsequential 
• ineffective 
• ineffectual 
• insignificant 
• irrelevant 
• meaningless 
• powerless 
• silly 
• stupid 
• trivial 
• unnecessary 
• unproductive 
• useless 
• worthless