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

He also said any discussion on future security guarantees without Russian involvement was "pointless", even though that would be a non-starter for the West.

From BBC

This view - that invading Taiwan would be far too costly and pointless for China - is held by many Taiwanese.

From BBC

The author expresses skepticism about whether Newsom’s redistricting plan will effectively counter Republican political gains, noting that if the economy improves, Republicans would likely retain Congress regardless, making California’s political upheaval potentially pointless.

From Los Angeles Times

"The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war."

From BBC

The Jets and Sharks seemed pretty pointless after a presidential assassination, a war, Black Power and nascent feminism.

From Salon

Related Words

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