German word

sinnlos

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzɪnloːs/

Meaning

  • adjectivepointless

Example

Das war eine sinnlose Diskussion.

That was a pointless discussion.

Illustration for sinnlos (pointless)

More examples

Ich halte das Vorhaben für sinnlos.

I consider the project pointless.

Core concept

An effort that goes in circles without leading to a worthwhile result.

Common phrases

  • etwas für sinnlos halten

    consider ___ pointless

  • eine sinnlose Frage

    a pointless question

  • eine sinnlose Diskussion

    a pointless discussion

Similar words

nutzlos: Failing to produce the expected effect when used.
zwecklos: Unable to achieve its purpose, so continued effort brings no result.
überflüssig: Unnecessary because removing it causes no problem.
sinnfrei: Lacking a clear reason or logic, making it hard to understand or accept.

Definition in German

Etwas ohne erkennbaren Zweck oder Nutzen.

Word origin

Sinnlos combines the inherited Germanic noun Sinn, meaning sense or purpose, with the suffix -los, meaning without.

Usage tips

  • Sinnlos often sounds strongly negative when applied to a person's action, while nicht sinnvoll can be a more restrained alternative.

Other meanings

  • meaninglessadjective
  • futileadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Sinnlosigkeitpointlessnessnoun

Word lists with this word