unhelpful

Everyday

Unhelpful means not helping, or making a problem or a situation harder. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and school, unhelpful behaviour or comments do not help others; teachers may say «that's unhelpful» about a rude remark. In writing, unhelpful instructions are unclear. Phrases: «unhelpful comment», «not unhelpful», «it is unhelpful to».

Examples

• Shouting at your partner is unhelpful. tree →
• The map was unhelpful because it had no street names. tree →
• The shop assistant was unhelpful and rude. tree →
• It's unhelpful to laugh when someone makes a mistake. tree →
• His unhelpful advice made things worse. tree →
• Saying «just do it» was unhelpful. tree →

Note

Adjective; opposite «helpful». Adverb «unhelpfully». Spelt with one l at the end (-ful).