Word
usefulness
Phoneticsuse·ful·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈjusfəɫnəs/
UK/jˈuːsfəlnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of being helpful or having a practical purpose. You use this to describe how much something helps you get a job done.
n. the quality or state of being advantageous or serving a practical purpose. Often used to evaluate the value of a tool, idea, or method in a specific context.
Examples
“The usefulness of this new app is very high.”
“The committee questioned the usefulness of the old data, arguing that more recent statistics were needed for the report.”
“While the prototype demonstrated significant technical innovation, its practical usefulness in a domestic setting remained limited by its high energy consumption and complex interface.”
Examples
simple
“The usefulness of this new app is very high.”
contextual
“The committee questioned the usefulness of the old data, arguing that more recent statistics were needed for the report.”
complex
“While the prototype demonstrated significant technical innovation, its practical usefulness in a domestic setting remained limited by its high energy consumption and complex interface.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “usefulness” in context.
Verb
01. evaluate usefulness
“The teacher will evaluate the usefulness of the new software in the classroom.”
verb + noun
02. limit usefulness
“The lack of an internet connection will limit the usefulness of this application.”
verb + noun
Usage
Typically uncountable; when used with 'of', it describes the specific object or concept being evaluated.
Etymology
From useful + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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