# usefulness

/ˈjusfəɫnəs/ (US) · /jˈuːsfəlnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/usefulness
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the quality of being helpful or having a practical purpose. You use this to describe how much something helps you get a job done.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically uncountable; when used with 'of', it describes the specific object or concept being evaluated.

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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.