Word
senseless
Phoneticssense·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛnsɫəs/
UK/sˈɛnsləs/
Definitions
01without purpose or reason
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. happening without a good reason or purpose, especially when describing something violent or sad.
adj. lacking a discernible meaning, purpose, or rational justification, particularly regarding acts of violence or tragedy.
“The community was shocked by the senseless destruction of the local park.”
“The editorial condemned the senseless violence that had erupted in the city, arguing that such acts only served to alienate potential supporters.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02foolish or unwise
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. showing a lack of good judgment or common sense.
adj. demonstrating a lack of sound judgement, awareness, or practical intelligence.
“It was senseless to go out in the storm without a coat.”
“The board criticized the CEO's senseless decision to expand into a saturated market without conducting proper research.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'feel', or attributively to modify nouns like 'violence' or 'tragedy'.
Real-World Examples
“The German leader also issued a comment to Putin, telling him to “end this senseless war” and that “we are ready to talk”.” Etymology
From sense + -less. Compare Saterland Frisian sinloos (“senseless, foolish”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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