Unhelpful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unhelpful
[หสnหhษlpfสl ]
Definition
behavior
Not providing assistance or support; not useful or beneficial.
Synonyms
counterproductive, obstructive, uncooperative.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unhelpful |
This word is generally used when someone or something is not helpful or beneficial in a particular situation, but it does not necessarily imply that they are making the situation worse.
|
| uncooperative |
Used when someone is unwilling to work with others or assist with an effort. It often carries a negative tone, suggesting resistance or refusal to be helpful.
|
| obstructive |
Describes someone or something that actively blocks or hinders progress. This term often has a negative connotation.
|
| counterproductive |
Used when actions have the opposite effect of what was intended, making the situation worse rather than better.
|
Examples of usage
- It was frustrating dealing with his unhelpful attitude.
- Her comments were unhelpful and did not contribute to the discussion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often feel frustrated or stressed when faced with unhelpful advice, which can lead to decreased motivation.
- A study suggests that receiving unhelpful feedback can negatively impact self-esteem and hinder personal growth.
- The concept of unhelpfulness can be linked to emotional intelligence; those with higher emotional skills can provide more effective assistance.
Pop Culture
- In many films, characters that are portrayed as 'unhelpful' often serve as comic relief, highlighting the importance of support from others.
- Popular memes frequently depict unhelpful characters, illustrating humor in situations where help is desperately needed.
- Television shows use unhelpful advice as a plot device, creating tension and driving characters to seek better solutions.
Communication
- Unhelpful responses in conversations can create misunderstandings and escalate conflicts between friends or colleagues.
- In customer service, being unhelpful can damage a companyโs reputation and lead to loss of customers.
- Active listening is crucial to avoid providing unhelpful advice and instead offer meaningful support.
Education
- Unhelpful approaches in teaching can disengage students, making them feel unsupported in their learning journey.
- Peer feedback is often more effective than unhelpful comments from outside sources, as it can be tailored to the learner's needs.
- Educators are trained to recognize and avoid unhelpful teaching methods, promoting a nurturing environment for students.
Origin of 'unhelpful'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so 'unhelpful' literally means 'not helpful'.
- 'Helpful' comes from the old English word 'help', which means to assist or support.
- The word 'unhelpful' became more common in English usage during the 20th century, reflecting more modern contexts of communication.
The word 'unhelpful' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'helpful', which has origins in the Old English word 'helpan' meaning 'to aid or assist'. The concept of being unhelpful has been present in human interactions for centuries, as people have long recognized the frustration and challenges associated with encountering unhelpful behavior.
See also: helper, helpers, helpful, helpfully, helpfulness, helping, helpless, helplessly, helplessness.