Which word means 'serving no useful purpose'?

Which word means 'serving no useful purpose'?

• A. Otiose
• B. Pointless
• C. Superfluous
• D. Useful

Answer: (C)

This item hinges on choosing a word that directly conveys something is unnecessary because it's beyond what is needed. Superfluous means extra to the point of redundancy—more than is required and therefore not serving any useful purpose. That exact sense fits the prompt, making it the best pick. Pointless emphasizes a lack of meaning or aim, which relates to purpose but isn’t always about excess or redundancy. Otiose is a more archaic or literary term meaning idle or futile, which can also fit but is less common and precise here. Useful is the opposite of what’s being asked. Example: “The report included several superfluous details that cluttered the main point.”

This item hinges on choosing a word that directly conveys something is unnecessary because it's beyond what is needed. Superfluous means extra to the point of redundancy—more than is required and therefore not serving any useful purpose. That exact sense fits the prompt, making it the best pick.

Pointless emphasizes a lack of meaning or aim, which relates to purpose but isn’t always about excess or redundancy. Otiose is a more archaic or literary term meaning idle or futile, which can also fit but is less common and precise here. Useful is the opposite of what’s being asked.

Example: “The report included several superfluous details that cluttered the main point.”