purposeless

[ pur-puhs-lis ]

adjective

1. having no purpose or apparent meaning.
2. having no aim or goal; aimless:

   to lead a purposeless existence.

purposeless

/ ˈpɜːpəslɪs /

adjective

1. having no fixed plan or intention

Derived Forms

• ˈpurposelessly, adverb
• ˈpurposelessness, noun

Other Words From

• purpose·less·ly adverb
• purpose·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of purposeless¹

First recorded in 1545–55; purpose + -less

Example Sentences

“So, in a way, my life seems purposeless now,” Wright continues.

From Los Angeles Times

The indirection is not purposeless; Edelman is building the service roads to his main argument.

From New York Times

Meanwhile Kendall has become, in every sense of the word, purposeless now that the competition has finished and he has lost.

From Salon

“All who want a job have one. She has healed and united us and given purpose to the purposeless.”

From Washington Post

People who are depressed and suicidal feel helpless, powerless, useless, worthless, meaningless and purposeless.

From Salon