Standard Lemma guide

pointlessly

adv · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈpɔɪntləsli/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

adv

Meaning 1

Without point; in a pointless manner; so as to lack purpose or importance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He sat there, pointlessly tossing the ball into the air and letting it fall, over and over.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

in a pointless manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he spent his life in pointlessly tiresome drudgery

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English pointless Middle English -ly English -ly English pointlessly From pointless + -ly.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Esperanto: sensence — pointless manner
  • Latin: nēquīquam — pointless manner
  • Latin: in cassum — pointless manner
  • Middle English: ydelly — pointless manner
  • Polish: bezcelowo — pointless manner
  • Spanish: inútilmente — pointless manner