useless crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "useless crossword clue", along with detailed explanations and helpful tips to conquer your puzzle.
Solutions for "useless crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VAIN: Empty, futile, or of no value; often referring to efforts or endeavors that yield no useful outcome.
MOOT: Subject to debate, dispute, or uncertainty, and typically not admitting of a final decision; of no practical importance.
6 Letters
FUTILE: Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless. This is a direct synonym for useless, especially in contexts of attempts or actions.
8 Letters
OBSOLETE: No longer produced or used; out of date. Something obsolete is often useless in modern contexts.
9 Letters
POINTLESS: Having no purpose or meaning. Describes something that serves no practical or sensible end.
11 Letters
INEFFECTIVE: Not producing any desired effect. Something that is ineffective is by definition useless for its intended purpose.
More About "useless crossword clue"
The term "useless" in crosswords often points to words describing a lack of utility, purpose, or effectiveness. Clues might focus on actions that yield no results, objects that are broken or outdated, or even abstract concepts that are without merit. When encountering such a clue, consider synonyms across various contexts.
Crossword setters love to play with words that have multiple meanings or can be applied in different scenarios. For example, "useless" might refer to something physically broken, an effort that failed, or even a person deemed incompetent. Always read the clue carefully for subtle hints like tone or implied context to narrow down the possibilities. Is it a negative description of a noun, or an adjective describing a state?
Thinking about prefixes and suffixes can also be beneficial. Words starting with 'un-' or 'in-' often imply the opposite of usefulness. Similarly, words ending in '-less' directly communicate a lack of something. By combining these linguistic patterns with the letter count, you can often quickly zero in on the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does "useless crossword clue" imply something broken, something futile, or perhaps something just unnecessary? The nuances of the clue often guide you to the specific synonym required.
- Consider Word Families: Think about words related to "useful" and then their antonyms. For example, if "effective" is useful, "ineffective" is useless. If "purposeful" is useful, "pointless" is useless.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from other clues. These are your strongest allies in determining the correct word, especially for common clues like "useless" that might have many possible answers.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use a Thesaurus: Sometimes, a quick glance at synonyms for "useless" can jog your memory or introduce you to a less common word that fits the letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'useless' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'useless' found in crosswords include FUTILE, VAIN, POINTLESS, IDLE, MOOT, INEPT, INEFFECTIVE, and REDUNDANT. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and other intersecting clues.
How can I figure out if a clue like 'useless' refers to an object or an action?
Context is key! Look at other parts of the clue or intersecting letters. If the clue hints at a state of being (e.g., 'no good'), it might be an adjective like FUTILE. If it hints at something that has no purpose (e.g., 'broken tool'), it might be a noun or adjective describing an object. The surrounding puzzle will often provide crucial hints.
Are there any common crossword tricks related to 'useless' clues?
Yes, 'useless' can sometimes be a homophone indicator (e.g., 'Useless noise?' for 'WASTE' if pronounced 'waste'). It can also lead to answers that imply lack or absence, like NIL or VOID. Always consider both literal and figurative meanings, and check for any wordplay indicators.