1.
If something is ~, you cannot use it.
He realised that their money was ~ in this country...
Computers would be ~ without software writers.
? useful
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ
~ly
His right arm hung rather ~ly.
ADV
~ness
The car had rusted almost to the point of ~ness.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If something is ~, it does not achieve anything helpful or good.
She knew it was ~ to protest.
...a ~ punishment which fails to stop drug trafficking.
= pointless
ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf
~ly
Uselessly, he checked the same pockets he’d checked before.
ADV
~ness
...the ~ness of their research.
N-UNCOUNT
3.
If you say that someone or something is ~, you mean that they are no good at all. (INFORMAL)
Their education system is ~...
He was ~ at any game with a ball.
= hopeless
ADJ: oft ADJ at n
4.
If someone feels ~, they feel bad because they are unable to help someone or achieve anything.
She sits at home all day, watching TV and feeling ~.
ADJ
~ness
...the sense of ~ness and the boredom of empty days.
N-UNCOUNT