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Unused vs Useless - What's the difference?

unused | useless | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between unused and useless

is that unused is not used while useless is without use or possibility to be used.

unused

English

Usage notes

The second pronunciation () pronunciation, which is acceptable for either sense and is normally used for the "not used" sense in all registers.

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • not used
  • I have two unused vouchers for a free meal.
  • not accustomed
  • I am unused to the dark nights of the countryside.

    Anagrams

    *

    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