English Reference
adjective

senseless

adj.
US /ˈsɛnsɫəs/ UK /sˈɛnsləs/ sense·less

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening without a good reason or purpose, especially when describing something violent or sad.

    lacking a discernible meaning, purpose, or rational justification, particularly regarding acts of violence or tragedy.

    Simple

    The community was shocked by the senseless destruction of the local park.

    In context

    The editorial condemned the senseless violence that had erupted in the city, arguing that such acts only served to alienate potential supporters.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing a lack of good judgment or common sense.

    demonstrating a lack of sound judgement, awareness, or practical intelligence.

    Simple

    It was senseless to go out in the storm without a coat.

    In context

    The board criticized the CEO's senseless decision to expand into a saturated market without conducting proper research.


From sense + -less. Compare Saterland Frisian sinloos (“senseless, foolish”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated