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Vocab L. 14 Usefulness

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  1. applicable
    having relevance
    The methodology was not applicable to the problem. The new curfew is applicable to everyone under the age of eighteen.
    Synonyms: applicative, applicatory, apposite, apropos, apt, associable, befitting, felicitous, fit, fitting, germane, kosher, legit, material, on target, on the button, on the nose, pertinent, relevant, right on, suitable, suited, that's the idea, that's the ticket, to the point, to the purpose, useful

    Antonyms: inapplicable, inappropriate, unsuitable
  2. expedient
    appropriate to a purpose
    The new method was the most expedient way to solve the problems. Expedient is often used to describe a self-serving, unethical purpose or action.
    Synonyms: ad hoc, advantageous, advisable, beneficial, convenient, desirable, discreet, effective, feasible, fit, fitting, helpful, judicious, meet, opportune, politic, possible, practicable, practical, pragmatic, profitable, proper, prudent, seasonable, suitable, tactical, timely, useful, utilitarian, wise

    Antonyms: inappropriate, inexpedient, unbeneficial, unprofitable, unworthwhile
  3. extraneous
    not belonging to that in which it is contained
    The extra assignment seemed extraneous to the course. The debater lost points for using facts that were extraneous to her argument.
    Synonyms: extra, foreign, immaterial, impertinent, inadmissible, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, incidental, inessential, needless, nonessential, off the subject, peripheral, pointless, redundant, superfluous, supplementary, unconnected, unessential, unnecessary, unrelated

    Antonyms: appropriate, basic, essential, integral, necessary, needed, pertinent, relevant
  4. functional
    designed for or capable of a particular use
    The software is fully functional and the latest iteration. Our old washing machine is still functional.
    Synonyms: handy, occupational, operative, practicable, practical, serviceable, useful, utile, utilitarian, utility

    Antonyms: broken, idle, malfunctioning, unfunctional
  5. futile
    producing no result or effect
    Emailing an E-Journal late is futile. Carla made a futile attempt to convince her parents to loan her the car.
    Synonyms: abortive, barren, bootless, delusive, empty, exhausted, forlorn, fruitless, hollow, idle, impracticable, unprofitable, unreal, unsatisfactory, unsubstantial, unsuccessful, useless, vain, valueless, worthless
    Antonyms: fruitful, hopeful, productive, profitable
  6. obsolete
    no longer in use
    Many products become obsolete after a few years. Computers have made typewriters obsolete.
    Synonyms: anachronistic, ancient, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, archaic, bygone, dated, dead, dead and gone, kaput, moldy, moth-eaten, old, old-fashioned, old-hat, old-school, out*, out-of-date, out-of-fashion, outmoded, outworn, passé, stale, superannuated, superseded, timeworn, unfashionable
    Notes: things that are no longer used or needed are obsolete ; things that are becoming obsolete are obsolescent
    Antonyms: contemporary, current, in vogue, modern, new, present, up-to-date
  7. opportune
    suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose
    After the exams, the holiday came at an opportune time. The job offer came at an opportune time, for Julia's bank account was almost empty.
    Synonyms: appropriate, apt, auspicious, convenient, favorable, felicitous, fit, fitting, fortuitous, fortunate, happy, helpful, pat, proper, propitious, seasonable, suitable, timely, timeous, well-timed
    Antonyms: disadvantageous, inauspicious, inopportune, unlucky, unsuitable
  8. pragmatic
    concerned with practical matters
    Being pragmatic can be helpful when dealing with emotional issues. Instead of having a big wedding, the pragmatic couple spent their money on a house.
    Synonyms: businesslike, down-to-earth, efficient, hard, hard-boiled, hardheaded, logical, matter-of-fact, practical, realistic, sober, utilitarian
    Antonyms: idealistic, unreasonable
  9. relevant
    having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue
    Homework should be relevant to the course activities. A person's eye color is not relevant to his or her musical tastes.
    Synonyms: accordant, ad rem, admissible, allowable, applicable, applicatory, apposite, appurtenant, apt, important, material, on the button, on the nose, pat, pertaining to, pertinent, pointful, proper, referring, related, relative, significant, suitable, suited, to the point, weighty
    Antonyms: inappropriate, irrelevant, unsuitable
  10. utilitarian
    having a useful function
    The utilitarian value of a product is just part of what determines its price. The first jeep was a very utilitarian vehicle.
    Synonyms: commonsensical, down-to-earth, effective, efficient, functional, hard, hardheaded, matter-of-fact, nuts and bolts, pragmatic, pragmatical, realistic, sensible, serviceable, unidealistic, unromantic, useful
    Antonyms: impractical, unnecessary
Created on Tue Feb 26 07:25:50 EST 2013 (updated Thu Feb 28 07:56:55 EST 2013)

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