useful

The word “useful” means able to be used effectively; helpful for a practical purpose. In plain terms, something that helps you do or achieve something.

“Useful” is pronounced YOOSFL (/ˈjusfl̩/ in IPA).

Here is “useful” used in a sentence: “A good torch is useful when the power goes out.”

“Useful” is an adjective.

The word “useful” comes from Middle English. From use + -ful, formed in Middle English to mean "full of use.".

“Useful” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

The two are close, but useful stresses practical value — a tool, skill, or fact that gets a job done. Helpful leans toward assistance and goodwill, often from people who offer support. A manual is useful; a friend who explains it is helpful. Many things are both at once.

The main opposites are useless and pointless, describing something that serves no practical purpose. Words like unhelpful, ineffective, and worthless also contrast with useful, all pointing to things that fail to help or cannot be put to any good, practical use.

Yes. Useful is a compliment, describing something or someone that offers real, practical value and helps get a purpose achieved. Calling a tool, tip, or person useful means they are worth having because they work effectively. It is milder than 'brilliant' but firmly positive in tone.