Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

pointless

/ˈpɔɪntləs/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.88 in modern English

Syllables: point-less
IPA: /ˈpɔɪntləs/

11

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Having no point or sharp tip; terminating squarely or in a rounded end.

adj

Having no prominent or important feature, as of an argument, discourse, etc.

adj

Having no purpose; purposeless; unable to effect an aim.

adj

Having no points

adj

Without points.

adj

Point-free; employing the tacit programming paradigm.

Derogatory

Example Sentences

"a pointless sword"
"a pointless knife"
"a pointless remark"
"The sequel to the film was even more pointless than the original"
"Even the numerous drunkards and beggars seemed to be in a hurry, stumbling from one side of the street to the other with pointless resolution or, with businesslike expeditiousness, soliciting money and food from strangers."
"Since the decision has already been made, further discussion seems pointless."

Etymology

From Middle English pointles, poynteles, poyntlees. By surface analysis, point + -less.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: pointles

Usage

Derogatory

Inflected Forms

more pointless (comparative) most pointless (superlative) pointlesse (alternative, obsolete)

Derived Forms

pointlessly pointlessness

Phrases

pointless topology

Synonyms

blunt dull obtuse futile needless purposeless redundant superfluous point-free

Antonyms

pointed sharp worthwhile useful pointful

Questions

How do you pronounce pointless?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈpɔɪntləs/.
What does pointless mean?: Having no point or sharp tip; terminating squarely or in a rounded end.
Where does pointless come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce pointless

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “pointless”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈpɔɪntləs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “pointless”.
Repeat and practice — Say “pointless” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.