Worthless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉ
worthless
[หwษหrฮธlษs ]
Definitions
feeling of self-worth
Having no real value or use; without merit; useless. Worthless is often used to describe something or someone that is considered insignificant or unimportant.
Synonyms
insignificant, unimportant, useless, valueless.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| worthless |
Use this word when describing something that has no value or benefits at all. It often has a negative connotation and is used to express strong disapproval or disappointment.
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| useless |
Choose this word when talking about something that has no practical use or function. It often has a negative connotation similar to 'worthless'.
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| valueless |
Best used when referring to something that has no worth, especially in terms of monetary value or significance. It has a slightly formal tone.
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| unimportant |
This word is used to describe something that does not have much significance or influence. It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| insignificant |
This word is suitable for describing something that is too small or unimportant to be worth consideration. It is less harsh than 'worthless'.
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Examples of usage
- He felt worthless after failing the exam.
- The broken watch was worthless and could not be repaired.
monetary value
Not having monetary value; not worth any money. Something that is worthless in terms of money.
Synonyms
cheap, insignificant, unvaluable, valueless.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| worthless |
Used to describe something that has no value or worth, often in a very negative sense.
|
| valueless |
Used to describe something that has no worth, similar to 'worthless' but slightly less common.
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| insignificant |
Used to describe something that is too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.
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| cheap |
Used to describe something that is low in price or quality. Can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies low quality.
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| unvaluable |
Less commonly used, it can describe something that does not have value or is not worthy of consideration.
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Examples of usage
- The old coins in his collection turned out to be worthless.
- The damaged painting was declared worthless by the appraiser.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feelings of worthlessness can be associated with depression and low self-esteem.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often addresses thoughts of worthlessness by challenging negative beliefs.
- Children who experience bullying may often feel worthless and require support to build their self-esteem.
Literature
- There are numerous literary works that explore themes of worthlessness, often reflecting charactersโ inner turmoil and societal rejection.
- In poetry, feelings of worthlessness are commonly expressed through metaphors of decay or uselessness.
- Notable authors like Virginia Woolf and Franz Kafka often touch on feelings of insignificance in their characters.
Economics
- In economic terms, worthless items can refer to assets that have lost their market value.
- During currency devaluations, money can become effectively worthless when it no longer buys goods.
- Economic downturns often lead to discussions about worthlessness in terms of investments and job security.
Pop Culture
- Songs and movies often tackle subjects of worthlessness, portraying characters overcoming feelings of inadequacy.
- Social media can amplify feelings of worthlessness, especially among youth comparing themselves to others.
- Quotes like 'You are worth more than you think' challenge the idea of worthlessness and encourage self-worth.
Origin of 'worthless'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English 'weorรพ', meaning value or worth.
- The suffix '-less' denotes absence, so 'worthless' literally means without worth.
- The concept has been used throughout history to describe items, people, or ideas deemed to lack value.
The word 'worthless' originated from the Middle English word 'worthles' which meant 'having no value'. The suffix -less is used to indicate the absence of something. Over time, the word evolved to its current form 'worthless', which is commonly used to describe something of little or no value.
See also: unworthily, unworthy, worth, worthiness, worthlessness, worthwhile, worthy.