pointlessness
英 [ˈpɔɪntləsni] 美 [ˈpɔɪntləsni]
n. 无意义；无目的；徒劳无功
◉Origin
“Pointlessness”其词源可追溯至拉丁语“punctum”（点），并通过古法语“pointe”和古英语“punta”演变而来。它最初描述缺乏明确目标或方向的状态，进而引申为对任何努力或行动缺乏价值的认知。这个词在17世纪被引入英语，与“point”（要点）的概念紧密相连，强调事物缺少核心或目的性。其词根还衍生出“pointless”（无意义的）等近义词，揭示了人类对存在目的性的哲学思考。
◉Examples from International Publications
① 《The Economist》 (2023年8月15日)
The repetitive procedural arguments demonstrated the pointlessness of bureaucratic negotiations.
那些重复的程序性争论展示了官僚谈判的无意义性。
② 《Wall Street Journal》 (2024年1月30日)
He acknowledged the pointlessness of continuing the futile mission.
他承认继续这项徒劳任务的毫无意义。
◉Classic Literary References
① 《Hamlet》（《哈姆雷特》）——威廉·莎士比亚 (约1601年)
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark… a pointlessness in the action.
丹麦的现状已腐朽……行动中缺乏意义。
② 《Moby Dick》（《白鲸》）——赫尔曼·梅尔维尔 (1851年)
The pointlessness of the hunt became apparent as days turned into weeks.
随着日子变成星期，捕鲸的徒劳变得显而易见。
◉Practical Usage
(1) A profound sense of pointlessness enveloped him.
(2) She eventually realized the pointlessness of her attempts.
(3) Once he experienced these remorseful feelings, he understood their pointlessness.
(4) He was fully aware of the pointlessness of opposing the inevitable.
(5) Despite my expertise in diplomacy, I recognize the pointlessness of certain negotiations.
(1) 一种深刻的无意义感包围了他。
(2) 她最终意识到她尝试的徒劳无功。
(3) 一旦他体验到这些后悔的情绪，他就明白了后悔的无意义。
(4) 他完全清楚反对不可避免之事的毫无意义。
(5) 尽管我在外交方面有专长，但我认识到某些谈判的无意义性。
◉Usage Annotations
When every effort seems to lead nowhere, that’s the essence of pointlessness—the conviction that no action will yield positive results, making surrender seem like the only rational choice. Why bother? This is the query posed by anyone encountering the void of pointlessness. The futility of conflict compels warriors to lay down their arms, while your mother’s rigid regulations render any defiance a pointless endeavor. Etymologically, it stems from “punctum,” suggesting a lack of focus. Imagine trying to fill a sieve with water; no matter how much you pour, it all leaks away. Ah, pointlessness!
◉Collins
1. [N-UNCOUNT 不可数名词]无目的；无意义；徒劳 Pointlessness refers to the absence of any meaningful purpose or utility. [often N of n/-ing]
The pointlessness of the experiment became clear after three months of fruitless testing.
经过三个月徒劳的测试，实验的无意义性变得清晰。