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Useless vs Nugatory - What's the difference?

useless | nugatory | Related terms |

Useless is a related term of nugatory.


As adjectives the difference between useless and nugatory

is that useless is without use or possibility to be used while nugatory is trivial, trifling or of little importance.

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

    nugatory

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Trivial, trifling or of little importance.
  • * 1872 ,
    • I might refer to the general conviction and the common sense of society that such an investment cannot be treated as absolutely idle and nugatory .
  • Ineffective, invalid or futile.
  • * 1792 ,
    • I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier and for restraining the commission of outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans must prove nugatory .
  • (legal) Having no force, inoperative, ineffectual.
  • * 1819 , (17 U.S. 316)
    • The word "necessary" is considered as controlling the whole sentence, and as limiting the right to pass laws for the execution of the granted powers to such as are indispensable, and without which the power would be nugatory .
  • (computing) Removable from a computer program with safety, but harmless if retained.