pointless

comparative more pointless · superlative most pointless · alternative obsolete pointlesse

1. Having no point or sharp tip; terminating squarely or in a rounded end.

   a pointless sword

   1 more example

   a pointless knife

2. Having no prominent or important feature, as of an argument, discourse, etc.

   a pointless remark

   2 more examples

   The sequel to the film was even more pointless than the original

   Even the numerous drunkards and beggars seemed to be in a hurry, stumbling from one side of the street to the other with pointless resolution or, with businesslike expeditiousness, soliciting money and food from strangers.

   2017, Hernan Diaz, In the Distance, Daunt Books (2018), page 304

3. Having no purpose; purposeless; unable to effect an aim.

   Since the decision has already been made, further discussion seems pointless.

   1 more example

   The latter, however, showed in the 1890s that the issue had become pointless, as by then no power could arrest the development of capitalism and the decline of the obshchina.

   1978 [1976], Leszek Kołakowski, translated by P[aul] S[teven] Falla, Main Currents of Marxism, volume II: The Golden Age, Oxford: Clarendon Press, translation of Główne nurty marksizmu: rozwój (in Polish), →ISBN, →OCLC, page 324

   Synonyms: futile, needless, purposeless, redundant, superfluous

4. gamesHaving no points

   After four matches and four defeats, United remain pointless at the foot of the table.

5. mathematicsWithout points.

   a pointless topology

6. derogatorycomputingPoint-free; employing the tacit programming paradigm.