What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Useless vs Naught - What's the difference?

useless | naught |

As an adjective useless

is without use or possibility to be used.

As a noun naught is

(uk|ireland|australia|nz) (now rare or archaic in us, canada ) zero.

As a pronoun naught is

nothing.

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

    naught

    English

    Alternative forms

    * nought

    Noun

    (-)
  • (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ) (now rare or archaic in US, Canada ) Zero.
  • Yet another naught on the scoreboard for the home team.
  • (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ) (now rare or archaic in US, Canada ) Nothing; nothingness.
  • Naught can come of this, you mark my words.''

    Pronoun

    (English Pronouns)
  • nothing
  • See also

    * aught * naw * negative * no * noot * not * nought * nowt * ought * zip