usefulness
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈuːsfəlnəs/
US
- /ˈjusfəlnəs/
Description
- helpfulness
- value
- practicality
Usefulness describes how much value something has when you need to do a task or solve a problem. A Swiss Army knife is known for its usefulness because it gives you many tools in one small object. It is not only about whether something can be used, but whether it truly helps in a real situation. Something can be beautiful but have little usefulness, like a fancy sculpture that has no practical job. On the other hand, something plain, like a sturdy work boot, can have a lot of usefulness. The situation matters too: a hammer has great usefulness for a carpenter, while a brush has more usefulness for a painter.
Usefulness isn't just about whether something works; it's about how well it serves a purpose and helps bring about a desired result. It points to the practical value of an object, idea, skill, or action. Think of a lighthouse: its usefulness lies in guiding ships safely through dangerous waters. Or consider the usefulness of learning a new language; it can help you communicate, understand different cultures, and see the world in a wider way.
The idea of usefulness is often shaped by context. What has clear usefulness for one person may have very little for another. A farmer may see great usefulness in a tractor, while someone living in a city apartment probably has no need for one. In the same way, an artist may find real usefulness in ideas like color theory, even though those ideas are not physical objects.
Usefulness can also extend beyond things you can hold. A clear instruction manual has usefulness for someone trying to build furniture. Good advice can have usefulness when a person feels unsure. Even a small act of kindness can have usefulness, making someone's day easier and helping build a stronger relationship.
Ultimately, usefulness comes down to how well something can be applied to reach a goal or improve a situation. It is about making things easier, more effective, or simply better. That is why usefulness is a quality people value so highly in everyday life.
Examples
- 1
Power outage
The usefulness of a small flashlight becomes obvious when the power goes out.
- 2
Language learning
The teacher showed us the usefulness of learning whole phrases, not just single words.
- 3
Limited value
This report may be interesting, but its usefulness is limited without recent data.
- 4
Medical research
Doctors are studying the usefulness of the test for younger patients.
- 5
Workplace training
At first I doubted the workshop, but its usefulness became clear once I started the job.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- usefulnessnoun
Forms
- usefulnessespluralnoun