absolutely useless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely useless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something has no value or is ineffective in a particular context. Example: "After trying to fix the old printer for hours, I realized it was absolutely useless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is an absolutely useless trumpet.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm just lying around the house absolutely useless today.

The New York Times

But Christmas is really all about absolutely useless presents.

The Guardian - Music

One-star reviews griped: "Absolutely useless for my shower.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm absolutely useless at this and end up even further back than at the start.

Independent

"But, for the military, it was absolutely useless," he told me.

The New Yorker

We have another proof that it is absolutely useless, this system.

Independent

The first job I had was ad sales, which I was absolutely useless at.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

John Moore, writing on Den of Geek, also took a positive stance towards the episode, describing it as "life-affirming" as a Doctor Who fan, and, though he did criticise some elements of the plot, likewise wrote positively about the ending, ultimately finding the episode "utterly useless, but absolutely art".

Wikipedia

I feel it should be absolutely gloriously useless".

The New Yorker

He sounds desperate for England not to be useless at absolutely everything.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal writing. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "ineffective" or "impractical" for a more professional tone.

Common error

While "absolutely useless" is acceptable in many situations, it can sound too informal or harsh in professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives such as "completely ineffective" or "entirely impractical" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely useless" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing its complete lack of utility or value. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely useless" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that conveys a strong sense of worthlessness or ineffectiveness. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and Scientific sources, demonstrating its versatility. When writing, be mindful of the potentially informal tone in formal settings and consider alternatives like "completely ineffective". Use this phrase to emphasize a complete lack of utility, but choose synonyms for professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worthless

A simple and direct synonym for lacking value.

completely worthless

Emphasizes the total lack of value or worth of something.

entirely ineffective

Focuses on the failure to produce a desired result or effect.

totally pointless

Highlights the absence of a meaningful purpose or reason.

utterly futile

Stresses the hopelessness and inability to achieve anything.

of no earthly use

An idiomatic expression indicating complete impracticality.

serves no purpose

Directly states the lack of any beneficial function.

good for nothing

Suggests that something or someone is without merit or value.

dead weight

Implies that something is a burden and hindrance.

unavailing

Describes an effort or action that is unsuccessful or unproductive.

FAQs

How to use "absolutely useless" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely useless" to emphasize the complete lack of value or functionality of something. For example, "That old machine is "absolutely useless" now that the parts are no longer available".

What can I say instead of "absolutely useless"?

You can use alternatives like "completely worthless", "entirely ineffective", or "totally pointless" depending on the context.

Is "absolutely useless" too informal for academic writing?

In some cases, yes. While grammatically correct, "absolutely useless" may be perceived as too informal. Consider alternatives like "completely ineffective" or "entirely impractical" for a more formal tone.

Which is correct, "absolutely useless" or "utterly useless"?

Both ""absolutely useless"" and "utterly useless" are correct and convey a similar meaning, emphasizing the complete lack of value or effectiveness. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.