What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unhelpful
Example
The customer service representative was unhelpful and did not resolve my issue. [unhelpful: adjective]
Example
I asked for advice on how to fix my computer, but the response was unhelpful and did not address my problem. [unhelpful: adjective]
Example
The rainy weather was unhelpful for our outdoor picnic plans. [unhelpful: adjective]
useless
Example
The broken phone is useless and cannot be repaired. [useless: adjective]
Example
I tried to use the old blender, but it was useless and did not blend the ingredients properly. [useless: adjective]
Example
The extra batteries were useless since they did not fit in the device. [useless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useless is more commonly used than unhelpful in everyday language. Useless is a stronger and more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts, while unhelpful is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unhelpful and useless?
Both unhelpful and useless are informal terms that can be used in casual conversations or writing. However, unhelpful can sometimes be used in more formal settings, such as business or academic contexts, while useless is typically reserved for informal situations.
