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Useless vs Inessential - What's the difference?

useless | inessential |

As adjectives the difference between useless and inessential

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

As a noun inessential is

(often in plural) something that is not essential.

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

    inessential

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • not essential
    • Leave inessential items behind when there is a fire alarm.
  • lacking essence or being

    • Synonyms

    * nonessential * unessential

    Antonyms

    * essential

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (often in plural) Something that is not essential