# abusefulness

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abusefulness
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the quality of being mean, cruel, or harmful to others. It describes a person or situation that causes pain or suffering.

For teachers: the quality or state of being cruel, harmful, or injurious to others. Often used to describe systemic or institutional mistreatment.

## Examples

- The abusefulness of the system is clear to everyone.
- The committee was formed to investigate the abusefulness of the new security protocols toward the staff.
- While the individual's intentions may have been benign, the cumulative abusefulness of his repeated dismissals eventually eroded the team's morale and trust.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.