Unhelpful: meaning, definitions and examples

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unhelpful

 

[ ˌʌnˈhɛlpfʊl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not providing assistance or support; not useful or beneficial.

Synonyms

counterproductive, obstructive, uncooperative

Examples of usage

  • It was frustrating dealing with his unhelpful attitude.
  • Her comments were unhelpful and did not contribute to the discussion.

Translations

Translations of the word "unhelpful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inútil

🇮🇳 असहायक

🇩🇪 nutzlos

🇮🇩 tidak membantu

🇺🇦 непотрібний

🇵🇱 nieprzydatny

🇯🇵 役に立たない

🇫🇷 inutile

🇪🇸 inútil

🇹🇷 yararsız

🇰🇷 도움이 되지 않는

🇸🇦 غير مفيد

🇨🇿 neužitečný

🇸🇰 neužitočný

🇨🇳 无用

🇸🇮 neuporaben

🇮🇸 ónothæfur

🇰🇿 пайдасыз

🇬🇪 უსარგებლო

🇦🇿 faydasız

🇲🇽 inútil

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,137, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.