Worthlessness: meaning, definitions and examples

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worthlessness

 

[ หˆwษœหฮธlษ™snษ™s ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling of being without value

The state or quality of having no real value or use; the feeling of being useless or unimportant.

Synonyms

futility, inanity, uselessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worthlessness

This word carries a strong negative connotation when referring to a lack of worth or value, often used in a personal or emotional context.

  • His feelings of worthlessness grew after repeated failures
futility

This word is used to express the pointlessness or ineffectiveness of an action or effort.

  • The futility of trying to change his mind was evident
uselessness

This word describes a state where an object or action serves no purpose or function.

  • She realized the uselessness of the broken tool when trying to fix the car
inanity

Use this word to describe something that is silly, meaningless, or lacks substance.

  • The conversation devolved into inanity, with no important topics being discussed

Examples of usage

  • I was consumed by a sense of worthlessness after losing my job.
  • He was overwhelmed by feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt.
  • She struggled with feelings of worthlessness throughout her teenage years.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of significance

The state of lacking importance or significance; insignificance.

Synonyms

insignificance, triviality, unimportance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worthlessness

Utilize this term when discussing the complete lack of value or merit in someone or something. It often conveys a strong negative connotation, suggesting something is utterly without value.

  • He felt a deep sense of worthlessness after losing his job.
  • The broken vase was deemed to be of worthlessness and thrown away.
insignificance

This word is used when referring to the small or minor importance of something. It implies that something is not substantial enough to make a difference or impact.

  • In the grand scheme of things, his actions seemed like mere insignificance.
  • The error in the report was of such insignificance that it was barely noticed.
unimportance

This is appropriate when pointing out that something lacks significance or relevance. It is slightly less negative than 'worthlessness' and more neutral than 'insignificance'.

  • The document was of unimportance to the case, so it was not included in the evidence.
  • His opinion was often regarded with unimportance by the senior staff.
triviality

Best suited for situations where something is considered very minor or commonplace, often to the point of being unworthy of serious consideration.

  • She dismissed the remark as a triviality and moved on with the discussion.
  • The meeting was filled with discussions about the trivialities of office life.

Examples of usage

  • The worthlessness of his arguments was evident to all.
  • His actions demonstrated the worthlessness of his promises.

Translations

Translations of the word "worthlessness" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น inutilidade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเคฐเคฐเฅเคฅเค•เคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wertlosigkeit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ketidakberhargaan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ะบั‡ะตะผะฝั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bezwartoล›ciowoล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็„กไพกๅ€ค

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท inutilitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ inutilidad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท deฤŸersizlik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌด๊ฐ€์น˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุฏู… ุงู„ู‚ูŠู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bezcennost

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bezcennosลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ไปทๅ€ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nepomembnost

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณnรฝtleiki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑะฝัั‹ะทะดั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒ›แƒœแƒ˜แƒจแƒ•แƒœแƒ”แƒšแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™yษ™rsizlik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ inutilidad

Etymology

The word 'worthlessness' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the combination of 'worth' and the suffix '-less', meaning without. It has been used to describe the state of lacking value or significance throughout history, often associated with feelings of inadequacy or unimportance.

See also: unworthily, unworthy, worth, worthiness, worthless, worthwhile, worthy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,613, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.