almost useless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost useless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not particularly helpful or valuable. For example, "This recipe was almost useless - it was missing key instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the rankings proved to be almost useless.

The New Yorker

He said "The gigaflop supercomputers of today are almost useless.

The New Yorker

Within a few months, his right hand was almost useless.

The New Yorker

My whole life has been almost useless, worthless".

The New York Times

They are likely to be almost useless – or worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even if it had been free, it would have remained almost useless to me.

The New York Times

The posted maps are almost useless, so the best plan is to jump in feet-first.

The New York Times - Food

The concept of states' sovereignty, he says, "was almost useless for Americans from 1776.

The Economist

The sad truth is that Russia's tactics within the OSCE have made that body almost useless.

The Economist

But that makes it almost useless, since it does not explain why such variations occur.

The Economist

The Blackwood's high style made it almost useless as a truck.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost useless", consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the degree of ineffectiveness you intend to convey. Is it partially functional but inadequate, or essentially non-functional?

Common error

Avoid using "almost useless" when something is completely useless. The 'almost' implies some residual function or value, so reserve the phrase for situations where there's a slight degree of utility, however minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost useless" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something lacks utility or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost useless" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that retains a minimal degree of functionality but offers little practical value. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate in various contexts, particularly within news and media. When using "almost useless", ensure that it accurately reflects the situation you're describing – that the subject is not entirely without function, but nearly so. Alternatives such as "virtually useless" or "practically useless" offer similar, yet nuanced, ways to express limited utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually useless

This alternative intensifies the lack of utility, implying something is nearly entirely without use.

practically useless

This suggests that something is so close to being useless that it makes no practical difference.

nearly ineffective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness rather than the lack of utility.

borderline futile

This implies that an endeavor or object is on the edge of being completely pointless.

scarcely beneficial

Shifts the focus to the lack of benefit provided.

largely ineffectual

Indicates a significant degree of ineffectiveness.

of limited value

Expresses the idea that something has a restricted amount of worth or use.

serves little purpose

Highlights the lack of a significant reason or function.

close to worthless

Indicates that something has very little value or merit.

approaching obsolescence

Suggests that something is becoming outdated and losing its usefulness.

FAQs

How can I use "almost useless" in a sentence?

You can use "almost useless" to describe something that has very little practical value or effect. For example, "The instructions were so vague that they were "almost useless"."

What phrases are similar to "almost useless"?

Alternatives include "virtually useless", "practically useless", or "nearly ineffective". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "almost useless" the same as "completely useless"?

No, "almost useless" implies that there is a slight degree of functionality or value, while "completely useless" means there is no value or function at all. They are not interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "almost useless" in writing?

Use "almost useless" when you want to express that something is still technically functional or valid, but its utility is so limited as to be negligible. Avoid using it when something is totally without value.