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Idiot vs Useless - What's the difference?

idiot | useless |

As a noun idiot

is (slang|derogatory) a proponent of intelligent design.

As an adjective useless is

without use or possibility to be used.

idiot

English

Alternative forms

* eejit * idjit, idget (eye dialect)

Noun

(en noun)
  • (pejorative) A person of low general intelligence.
    • usage note This may be used pejoratively, as an insult. It is a weak insult, however, and between close friends, family members, or lovers, is often completely nonaggressive.
  • (obsolete, medicine, psychology) A person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age of a normal four-year-old.

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * genius

    Related terms

    * idiocy * idiom * idiosyncratic * idiotic * idiotically * idiot savant * useful idiot

    useless

    English

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Without use or possibility to be used.
    • This fork has prongs that are bent. It's useless now.
  • Unhelpful, not useful; pointless (of an action).
    • I think it's useless to keep this discussion going. It's like talking to a wall.
    I tried my best to make him quit smoking, but my efforts were useless . He now smokes six packs a day.
  • (pejorative, of a person) good-for-nothing; not dependable.
    • Bill never mows the lawn, takes out the trash or anything. He's useless , but I love him anyways.
  • (colloquial, of a person) unable to do well at a particular task or thing. Useless is mildly insulting.
    • My brother is useless at most computer games, but he is an awesome PS2 player.
    Why do you keep trying? You're obviously useless at it.

    Synonyms

    * (good-for-nothing) good-for-nothing * (unable to do well) unskillful

    Antonyms

    * skillful, useful

    Derived terms

    * uselessly * uselessness