Worthless vs. Priceless: How to Use These Words Correctly in English
The words worthless and priceless seem similar, but they have almost opposite meanings.
When the suffix -less is added to a word, it changes the word to mean without [root word]. So something that is worthless is without worth and something that is priceless is without a price. This sounds like the same meaning at first, but they're used very differently. Let's break it down.
Worthless
Worthless means something has no value, no use, or no importance. We often use this word for things that are broken, useless, or unwanted.
Examples:
My old phone is worthless because it doesn't work anymore.
These dead batteries are worthless.
The fake ticket was worthless, so I couldn't enter the concert.
Priceless
Priceless means something is so valuable that it is impossible to put a price on it. The value is usually emotional, historical, or cultural instead of financial.
Examples:
This photo of my grandparents is priceless to me.
Her advice was priceless during a difficult time.
The museum contains priceless works of art.
A useful way to remember the difference is:
Worthless = no value
Priceless = extremely valuable
Even if something costs very little money, it can still be priceless because of its personal meaning. For example, a random child's drawing may be worth nothing to you, but it is priceless to the child's parents.
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Worthless vs. Priceless: Matching Exercise
Decide if each of the following is Worthless or Priceless.
A handful of dead batteries
A painting your grandmother made for you before she passed away
A broken umbrella that cannot be repaired
A family photo album from 50 years ago
A handwritten letter your best friend sent you after moving to a new country
An expired coupon from last year
A letter written by your best friend
A cracked phone screen protector that no longer protects the screen
A famous historical document
A box of trash collected from the street
Answers
W for Worthless
P for Priceless
W
P
W
P
P
W
P
W
P
W
