# senseless

/ˈsɛnsɫəs/ (US) · /sˈɛnsləs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/senseless
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. without purpose or reason

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. foolish or unwise

adjective · CEFR B2

showing a lack of good judgment or common sense.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The two neighbors had a senseless argument over a fence.
- The community struggled to understand the senseless destruction of the local park over the weekend.
- The diplomat lamented the senseless loss of life during the conflict, arguing that the territorial dispute could have been resolved through peaceful mediation.

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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.