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B1 adjective 7 min de leitura

inutile

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas inutile em 30 segundos

Explicação inutile in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'inutile' as the opposite of 'utile' (useful). It is a simple adjective to describe things that don't work or that you don't need. For example, if a pen has no ink, it is 'inutile'. At this stage, focus on the basic sentence structure: [Subject] + [essere] + 'inutile'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it ends in 'e', so it stays the same for 'il libro' (masculine) and 'la penna' (feminine). It is a very helpful word for expressing basic needs and frustrations in a new language. If someone offers you something you cannot use, you can politely say 'Grazie, ma per me è inutile' (Thank you, but for me it is useless). This level is about building the foundation of the word's meaning in a physical, tangible sense.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'inutile' to describe actions, not just objects. You might say 'È inutile correre' (It's useless to run) if you are already late for the bus. You should also start using the plural form 'inutili'. For example, 'Questi giochi sono inutili' (These games are useless). You will notice 'inutile' appearing in simple signs or instructions. You are also learning to express your opinion more clearly, and 'inutile' is a great word for that. You can use it to talk about your daily routine or things you find unnecessary. 'Non compro cose inutili' (I don't buy useless things). At this level, the focus is on expanding the word from physical objects to simple, everyday actions and plural nouns.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'inutile' in more abstract and social contexts. You might describe a long meeting as 'inutile' or a piece of advice as 'inutile'. This is also where you introduce the 'È inutile che...' structure. Although the subjunctive is tricky, a B1 learner should start recognizing that 'È inutile che tu lo dica' (It's useless for you to say it) requires a special verb form. You also start to see the word in media, like news reports about 'sprechi inutili' (useless waste). You are moving beyond just 'it doesn't work' to 'it doesn't have a point'. This level requires you to understand the nuance of futility in conversations and to use the word to express more complex feelings of resignation or criticism.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'inutile' with the subjunctive effortlessly. You also begin to distinguish 'inutile' from its synonyms like 'vano' or 'superfluo'. You can use it to discuss more complex topics like politics, environment, or philosophy. For example, you might debate whether certain laws are 'inutili' or 'indispensabili'. You also understand the word's role in idiomatic expressions and can use it to add emphasis to your speech. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'inutile' as a stylistic choice. You might say 'È del tutto inutile' (It is completely useless) to strengthen your point. At B2, 'inutile' is a tool for precise communication and rhetorical flair.

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At the C1 level, you use 'inutile' with sophisticated precision. You understand its placement before the noun for rhetorical effect, such as 'un'inutile attesa' (a useless wait), which sounds more literary and evocative. You can use the word to critique complex systems or abstract concepts in essays or formal discussions. You are also aware of the adverbial form 'inutilmente' and use it to describe how actions were performed. You can participate in high-level discussions about 'l'inutilità del bello' (the uselessness of beauty) or other philosophical themes. At this stage, you are not just using the word; you are playing with its weight and cultural connotations to sound like a highly educated native speaker.

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At the C2 level, 'inutile' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic arsenal. You use it instinctively, knowing exactly when 'inutile' is better than 'vano', 'infruttuoso', or 'sterile'. You can appreciate and use the word in the most formal academic writing or the most nuanced poetic contexts. You understand the subtle irony when someone calls a masterpiece 'inutile' in a philosophical sense. You can handle the most complex grammatical structures involving the word without a second thought. For a C2 learner, 'inutile' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning, from biting sarcasm to profound existential reflection.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

inutile em 30 segundos

Inutile means 'useless' or 'pointless' in Italian.
It is used for both masculine and feminine singular nouns.
It is the opposite of 'utile' (useful).
Often used in the phrase 'È inutile che...' with the subjunctive.

The Italian word inutile is a versatile adjective that translates most directly to 'useless' or 'pointless' in English. At its core, it describes anything that lacks utility, fails to achieve a desired purpose, or is simply redundant. In the landscape of Italian conversation, it carries a weight that ranges from mild observation to deep existential frustration. Whether you are talking about a broken appliance, a bureaucratic procedure that leads nowhere, or an argument that has reached a stalemate, inutile is your go-to descriptor.

Functional Inutility: This refers to objects or tools that no longer work. For example, a key that doesn't fit a lock is inutile. In this context, it is the opposite of utile (useful).
Abstract Futility: This describes actions or efforts that are doomed to fail. 'È inutile piangere' (It is useless to cry) suggests that the emotion, while valid, will not change the outcome of the situation.

Comprare un ombrello quando c'è il sole è inutile.

In Italian culture, there is often a sharp critique of 'inutilità' (uselessness) in public services. You will frequently hear citizens grumbling about 'documenti inutili' (useless documents) or 'leggi inutili' (useless laws). This reflects a broader societal impatience with complexity that doesn't yield results. Furthermore, the word is often used in the common expression 'È inutile che...' followed by the subjunctive, meaning 'There is no point in you/him/her doing...'

Ogni sforzo si è rivelato inutile alla fine.

Grammatical Agreement: Since it ends in -e, the word inutile is the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. In the plural, it changes to inutili for both genders.

Understanding the nuances of inutile allows you to express frustration, pragmatism, and critical thought. It is not just about a lack of function; it is about the absence of meaning or effect. In literature, it often describes 'gesti inutili' (useless gestures) that highlight the tragedy or absurdity of a character's situation. In daily life, it is the word you use when you realize you've been talking to a brick wall or trying to fix something that is beyond repair.

Le parole sono inutili in questo momento.

Using inutile correctly requires understanding its placement and the structures it triggers. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies, but it can also precede it for stylistic emphasis, particularly in poetic or formal contexts. However, its most frequent use is as a predicate adjective following the verb essere (to be).

Predicate Use: 'Questo attrezzo è inutile' (This tool is useless). Here, it provides a direct quality to the subject.
Impersonal Expressions: 'È inutile negarlo' (It's useless to deny it). In this structure, inutile is followed by an infinitive verb to express the pointlessness of an action.

Sarebbe inutile insistere ancora.

A more advanced construction involves the use of the conjunction che. When you say 'È inutile che tu lo faccia' (It's useless for you to do it), you must use the subjunctive mood. This is because you are expressing an opinion or a subjective evaluation of a situation. This pattern is essential for B1 and B2 learners to master, as it shows a high level of grammatical control.

Non voglio perdere tempo in discussioni inutili.

In colloquial speech, inutile can be used as an exclamation. If someone is explaining something you already know or something that cannot be changed, you might sigh and say, 'È inutile!' This short sentence conveys a sense of resignation. It can also be paired with 'quasi' (almost) or 'totalmente' (totally) to modify the degree of uselessness.

Positioning: While 'una spesa inutile' is standard, 'un'inutile spesa' adds a layer of literary drama, often found in newspapers or novels describing wasted public funds.

È inutile che mi guardi così.

If you spend a day in an Italian city, you will hear inutile in various settings. At the post office or a government building, it is the soundtrack of frustration. People often complain about the 'inutili complicazioni' (useless complications) of the Italian bureaucracy. It is a word that captures the friction between a person's goals and the system's inefficiencies.

Tutta questa burocrazia è inutile!

In the workplace, a manager might describe a meeting as inutile if no decisions were made. In Italian cinema and literature, the word often appears in romantic contexts—'un amore inutile' (a useless/hopeless love)—describing a relationship that cannot flourish or has no future. It is a word of realism, sometimes bordering on pessimism.

News and Media: Journalists use 'inutile' to describe failed political negotiations or 'sprechi inutili' (useless waste) of taxpayer money. It is a powerful tool for social critique.
Sports Commentary: A commentator might call a late-game goal 'inutile' if it doesn't change the overall result of the match. 'Un gol inutile ai fini del risultato.'

È inutile correre se sei sulla strada sbagliata.

On social media, you might see 'polemiche inutili' (useless controversies) trending. It is a word used to dismiss arguments that are seen as petty or circular. In family life, parents might tell their children, 'È inutile che urli, non cambierò idea' (It's useless for you to scream, I won't change my mind). It serves as a firm boundary-setting word.

Smettila di fare domande inutili.

English speakers often make a few specific errors when using inutile. The most common is a pronunciation error: the stress falls on the second syllable (in-Ú-ti-le), not the third. Misplacing the stress can make the word unrecognizable to a native speaker.

Agreement Errors: Mistakenly saying 'inutila' for a feminine noun. Remember, 'inutile' is invariable for gender in the singular. 'La macchina è inutile', not 'inutila'.
Subjunctive Neglect: Using the indicative after 'È inutile che...'. Incorrect: 'È inutile che vai'. Correct: 'È inutile che tu vada'.

È inutile che (tu) pianga (Subjunctive).

Another mistake is confusing inutile with senza speranza (hopeless). While they overlap, inutile focuses on the lack of utility, whereas senza speranza focuses on the emotional state of despair. Also, avoid using inutile when you mean 'worthless' in a monetary sense; for that, use privo di valore or di nessun valore.

Non fare sforzi inutili per convincerlo.

Finally, learners sometimes over-rely on inutile where a more specific word like superfluo (superfluous/extra) would be better. If you have too many of something, they aren't necessarily 'useless', they are just 'extra'. Use inutile when the thing provides zero benefit or result.

Questo passaggio è inutile nel processo.

To sound more like a native, it is helpful to know the synonyms and nuances that surround inutile. While inutile is the most common, other words can provide more precision depending on the context of 'uselessness'.

Vano: Meaning 'vain' or 'fruitless'. Used for efforts or hopes. 'Un vano tentativo' (A vain attempt) sounds more literary than 'un tentativo inutile'.
Superfluo: Meaning 'superfluous'. Use this when something is more than what is needed. It’s not necessarily useless, just unnecessary.
Infruttuoso: Literally 'fruitless'. Often used in business or search contexts. 'Ricerche infruttuose' (Fruitless searches).

È stato un lavoro vano, purtroppo.

In contrast, inefficace means 'ineffective'. A medicine might be inefficace (it doesn't work for the illness), but the medicine itself isn't inutile in a general sense—it just failed in this instance. Sterile can be used metaphorically for a 'sterile discussion', meaning one that produces no new ideas.

Le tue scuse sono superflue ora.

When you want to emphasize that something is completely without worth, you might use insignificante (insignificant) or nullo (null/void). For instance, in legal contexts, an 'atto nullo' is more than just 'inutile'; it has no legal existence. Choosing the right alternative shows you understand the specific 'flavor' of the failure you are describing.

Una polemica sterile non aiuta nessuno.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root word 'utilis' comes from the Latin verb 'uti', meaning 'to use'. This is the same root for the English words 'use', 'utility', and 'utensil'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /iˈnutile/

US /iˈnutile/

The stress is on the second syllable: in-Ú-ti-le.

Rima com

utile futile stile aprile cortile fienile canile badile

Erros comuns

Stressing the first syllable (Í-nutile).
Stressing the third syllable (inu-TÍ-le).
Pronouncing the final 'e' as an 'i' or 'ay'.
Making the 'u' sound like the English 'u' in 'cut'.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'utility'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'utility' and 'inutile' in other Romance languages.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of the subjunctive when used in complex sentences.

Expressão oral 3/5

Stress placement (in-Ú-ti-le) is the main challenge for English speakers.

Audição 2/5

Clear and common word in everyday speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

utile essere che per non

Aprenda a seguir

vano superfluo inutilmente inutilità necessario

Avançado

infruttuoso sterile controproducente ontologico futilità

Gramática essencial

Adjectives ending in -e

Un libro inutile / Una penna inutile.

Subjunctive after impersonal expressions

È inutile che tu sia qui.

Agreement in number

Libri inutili / Penne inutili.

Position of adjectives

Un'inutile complicazione (Emphasis).

Adverb formation with -mente

Inutile -> Inutilmente.

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Exemplos por nível

Questo vecchio telefono è inutile.

This old phone is useless.

Subject + verb 'essere' + adjective.

La chiave è inutile per questa porta.

The key is useless for this door.

'Inutile' is the same for masculine and feminine.

Non è utile, è inutile.

It's not useful, it's useless.

Contrast between 'utile' and 'inutile'.

Un regalo inutile.

A useless gift.

Adjective follows the noun.

Questo libro è inutile per me.

This book is useless for me.

Use 'per' to specify for whom it is useless.

È inutile!

It's useless!

Impersonal use of 'essere'.

Una penna inutile senza inchiostro.

A useless pen without ink.

Noun-adjective agreement.

Comprare questo è inutile.

Buying this is useless.

Infinitive verb as subject.

È inutile correre, il treno è già partito.

It's useless to run, the train has already left.

È inutile + infinitive.

Questi attrezzi sono inutili.

These tools are useless.

Plural agreement: 'inutili'.

Non voglio fare cose inutili.

I don't want to do useless things.

Plural feminine noun + 'inutili'.

Le tue parole sono inutili ora.

Your words are useless now.

Plural feminine subject.

È inutile gridare.

It's useless to shout.

Impersonal expression.

Abbiamo fatto molti viaggi inutili.

We took many useless trips.

Plural masculine noun + 'inutili'.

È inutile cercare le chiavi qui.

It's useless to look for the keys here.

Infinitive construction.

Quella vecchia mappa è inutile.

That old map is useless.

Feminine singular subject.

È inutile che tu mi chieda scusa.

It's useless for you to apologize to me.

È inutile che + subjunctive (tu chieda).

Abbiamo perso tempo in discussioni inutili.

We wasted time in useless discussions.

Abstract noun 'discussioni'.

È inutile negare l'evidenza.

It's useless to deny the obvious.

Infinitive construction with an object.

Mi sembra un lavoro del tutto inutile.

It seems like a completely useless job to me.

Use of 'del tutto' to modify 'inutile'.

È inutile che lui provi a convincermi.

It's useless for him to try to convince me.

È inutile che + subjunctive (lui provi).

Le leggi inutili complicano la vita.

Useless laws complicate life.

Social/Political context.

Ogni tentativo è stato inutile.

Every attempt was useless.

Subject 'ogni tentativo' is singular.

È inutile piangere sul latte versato.

It's useless to cry over spilled milk.

Common proverb/idiom.

Sarebbe inutile insistere se non sono interessati.

It would be useless to insist if they aren't interested.

Conditional 'sarebbe' + 'inutile'.

È inutile che noi facciamo finta di niente.

It's useless for us to pretend nothing happened.

Subjunctive 'facciamo'.

Hanno speso soldi in progetti del tutto inutili.

They spent money on completely useless projects.

Plural masculine noun 'progetti'.

È inutile che vi arrabbiate così tanto.

It's useless for you all to get so angry.

Subjunctive 'vi arrabbiate'.

Trovo che questa polemica sia del tutto inutile.

I find that this controversy is completely useless.

Opinion structure + subjunctive 'sia'.

È inutile cercare di cambiare il passato.

It's useless to try to change the past.

Philosophical context.

Una spesa inutile che potevamo evitare.

A useless expense that we could have avoided.

Relative clause.

È inutile che lei aspetti ancora.

It's useless for her to wait any longer.

Subjunctive 'aspetti'.

Si è trattato di un'inutile dimostrazione di forza.

It was a useless demonstration of strength.

Adjective before the noun for emphasis.

È inutile che si cerchi di giustificare l'accaduto.

It's useless to try to justify what happened.

Impersonal subjunctive 'si cerchi'.

Hanno accumulato una serie di dati del tutto inutili ai fini della ricerca.

They accumulated a series of data completely useless for the research purposes.

Complex prepositional phrase 'ai fini di'.

Sarebbe del tutto inutile procedere senza un piano chiaro.

It would be completely useless to proceed without a clear plan.

Conditional + adverbial modification.

Un'inutile complicazione burocratica ha bloccato tutto.

A useless bureaucratic complication blocked everything.

Stylistic adjective placement.

È inutile che tu pretenda di avere sempre ragione.

It's useless for you to claim you're always right.

Subjunctive 'pretenda'.

Non perderti in dettagli inutili e vai al punto.

Don't get lost in useless details and get to the point.

Imperative + 'inutili'.

Tutte queste precauzioni si sono rivelate inutili.

All these precautions proved to be useless.

Reflexive verb 'rivelarsi'.

L'inutile affanno della vita moderna è spesso criticato dai filosofi.

The useless toil of modern life is often criticized by philosophers.

Literary/Philosophical register.

È inutile che si tenti di arginare un fenomeno così vasto con mezzi così esigui.

It's useless to try to stem such a vast phenomenon with such meager means.

Formal impersonal subjunctive.

Una prosa ridondante e infarcita di aggettivi inutili.

A redundant prose stuffed with useless adjectives.

Literary criticism context.

Risulta del tutto inutile ogni ulteriore tentativo di mediazione.

Any further attempt at mediation proves completely useless.

Inverted subject for formal emphasis.

È inutile che vi ostiniate a percorrere questa strada senza sbocco.

It's useless for you to persist in following this dead-end path.

Subjunctive 'vi ostiniate'.

Si perde in un'inutile quanto dannosa polemica.

He loses himself in a controversy as useless as it is harmful.

Comparative structure 'inutile quanto'.

Considero inutile, se non addirittura controproducente, questo approccio.

I consider this approach useless, if not even counterproductive.

Formal rhetorical structure.

È inutile che la politica si chiuda in se stessa.

It's useless for politics to close in on itself.

Abstract political personification.

Colocações comuns

sforzo inutile

spesa inutile

parole inutili

dettaglio inutile

tempo inutile

oggetto inutile

discussione inutile

viaggio inutile

mossa inutile

complicazione inutile

Frases Comuns

È inutile che...

— There's no point in someone doing something. Requires subjunctive.

È inutile che tu lo chieda.

Inutile a dirsi

— Needless to say. Used to introduce something obvious.

Inutile a dirsi, il film è stato un successo.

Rendersi inutile

— To make oneself useless or redundant.

Si è reso inutile con il suo comportamento.

Un'inutile attesa

— A useless/pointless wait.

Dopo un'inutile attesa, siamo andati via.

Inutile negarlo

— It's useless to deny it; it's obvious.

Inutile negarlo, siamo in difficoltà.

Sprechi inutili

— Useless waste, often of money or resources.

Dobbiamo tagliare gli sprechi inutili.

Gesti inutili

— Actions that have no effect or purpose.

Ha fatto solo gesti inutili.

Inutile insistere

— No point in persisting or insisting.

Inutile insistere, non cambierà idea.

Troppo inutile

— Way too useless (colloquial emphasis).

Questo aggeggio è troppo inutile!

Quasi inutile

— Almost useless.

È uno sforzo quasi inutile.

Frequentemente confundido com

inutile vs vano

Vano means fruitless or in vain, often used for efforts.

inutile vs superfluo

Superfluo means extra or unnecessary, not necessarily useless.

inutile vs senza valore

Use this for things that have no monetary value.

Expressões idiomáticas

"È inutile piangere sul latte versato"

— Don't cry over spilled milk. There's no point in regretting the past.

Ormai è successo, è inutile piangere sul latte versato.

informal

"Cercare l'inutile"

— To look for something that has no value or purpose.

Smetti di cercare l'inutile in questa faccenda.

neutral

"Fare l'inutile"

— To act in a way that is unhelpful or redundant.

Non fare l'inutile, aiutaci!

informal

"Perdersi in un bicchiere d'acqua inutile"

— To get confused over something simple and pointless.

Ti stai perdendo in un bicchiere d'acqua inutile.

informal

"Inutile come un quinto petalo"

— As useless as a fifth petal (not a standard idiom, but used poetically).

Si sente inutile come un quinto petalo.

literary

"Mettere l'inutile davanti all'utile"

— To prioritize pointless things over useful ones.

Lui mette sempre l'inutile davanti all'utile.

neutral

"L'inutile bellezza"

— The concept of beauty having no practical purpose but intrinsic value.

L'inutile bellezza dell'arte.

philosophical

"Parole al vento inutili"

— Useless words spoken to the wind.

Le sue erano solo parole al vento inutili.

neutral

"Inutile come un ombrello al chiuso"

— As useless as an umbrella indoors.

Questo consiglio è inutile come un ombrello al chiuso.

informal

"Essere un peso inutile"

— To be a useless burden on others.

Non voglio essere un peso inutile per la famiglia.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

inutile vs inutilizzato

Sounds similar.

Inutilizzato means 'unused', but it could still be 'utile' (useful). Inutile means it has no use.

L'ombrello è nuovo e inutilizzato, ma non è inutile.

inutile vs inutilizzabile

Related root.

Inutilizzabile means 'unusable' (e.g., broken), while inutile means 'useless' (e.g., serves no purpose).

Questa macchina è inutilizzabile perché è rotta.

inutile vs futile

Similar meaning.

Futile refers to something trivial or frivolous, while inutile refers to something that doesn't work or is pointless.

Una discussione futile su chi sia il più bello.

inutile vs inefficace

Overlapping meaning.

Inefficace specifically means it doesn't produce the desired effect.

Il farmaco si è rivelato inefficace.

inutile vs nullo

Both imply 'nothing'.

Nullo is often a legal term meaning 'void'.

Il contratto è nullo.

Padrões de frases

[Subject] + è + inutile.

Il gioco è inutile.

È inutile + [Infinitive].

È inutile aspettare.

È inutile che + [Subjunctive].

È inutile che tu venga.

Sarebbe inutile + [Infinitive].

Sarebbe inutile riprovare.

Un'inutile + [Noun].

Un'inutile attesa.

Inutile quanto + [Adjective].

Inutile quanto dannoso.

Considerare + [Object] + inutile.

Lo considero inutile.

[Plural Subject] + sono + inutili.

Le chiavi sono inutili.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

inutilità

Verbos

inutilizzare

Adjetivos

inutile

inutilizzabile

inutilizzato

Relacionado

utile

utilità

utilizzare

utente

utensile

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Como usar

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Italian.

Erros comuns

Inutila → Inutile
Adjectives ending in -e do not change for gender. 'Inutila' does not exist.
È inutile che tu vai. → È inutile che tu vada.
The indicative 'vai' is incorrect here; you must use the subjunctive 'vada'.
Í-nutile (Stress on first syllable) → In-Ú-ti-le
The stress must be on the second syllable for correct Italian pronunciation.
Un inutile spesa. → Un'inutile spesa.
When 'inutile' comes before a feminine noun starting with a vowel, use the apostrophe.
Questa penna è inutilizzata (meaning useless). → Questa penna è inutile.
Inutilizzata means 'unused'. If the pen doesn't work at all, it's 'inutile'.

Dicas

Stress the 'U'

Remember to put the emphasis on the second syllable: in-Ú-ti-le. Many English speakers accidentally stress the first syllable.

Subjunctive Alert

Whenever you use 'È inutile che...', the next verb must be in the subjunctive. This is a classic B1/B2 level grammar rule.

Opposites Attract

Learn 'utile' and 'inutile' together. They are perfect opposites and follow the same grammatical rules.

Bureaucracy

Use 'inutile' when talking about paperwork in Italy; it's a very 'native' way to express frustration.

Placement

For a more poetic or formal tone, try putting 'inutile' before the noun: 'un'inutile attesa'.

Milk Idiom

Learn the 'latte versato' idiom. It's a very common way to use 'inutile' in daily life.

Insults

Avoid calling people 'inutile' unless you really mean to offend them. It's stronger than 'unhelpful'.

Action

Use 'inutilmente' when you want to describe an action done in vain: 'Ho cercato inutilmente'.

Superfluo vs Inutile

Use 'superfluo' for 'extra' and 'inutile' for 'useless'. Precision makes you sound more fluent.

Catch the 'E'

In fast speech, the final 'e' can be soft, but it's crucial for distinguishing singular from plural ('inutili').

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'IN-UTILE'. 'IN' (not) + 'UTILE' (utility). If it has no utility, it is inutile.

Associação visual

Imagine a person trying to open a can with a banana. The banana is 'inutile' for that task.

Word Web

inutile inutilità inutilmente vano superfluo utile utilità utilizzare

Desafio

Try to find three things in your room that are 'inutili' and describe them in Italian to a friend.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'inutilis', which is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not/without) and 'utilis' (useful).

Significado original: Not useful, unserviceable, or unprofitable.

Romance (Italic)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when calling a person 'inutile'; it is a strong insult implying they are incompetent or worthless.

English speakers tend to use 'useless' more harshly. In Italian, 'inutile' can sometimes be softer, more like 'pointless'.

The concept of 'L'inutile strage' (The useless slaughter) referred to WWI by Pope Benedict XV. The book 'L'utilità dell'inutile' by Nuccio Ordine. Italian songs often use 'inutile' to describe lost love.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Shopping

È un acquisto inutile.
Non comprare cose inutili.
Questo è inutile.
Sprechi inutili.

Work

Riunione inutile.
Lavoro inutile.
Sforzi inutili.
Processo inutile.

Emotions

È inutile piangere.
Mi sento inutile.
Parole inutili.
Gesti inutili.

Arguments

È inutile discutere.
Polemiche inutili.
È inutile che urli.
Scuse inutili.

Technology

App inutile.
Codice inutile.
Hardware inutile.
Funzione inutile.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Pensi che questa nuova legge sia utile o inutile?"

"Qual è l'oggetto più inutile che hai comprato recentemente?"

"È inutile cercare di imparare una lingua senza praticare, vero?"

"Ti sei mai sentito inutile in una situazione difficile?"

"Quali sono, secondo te, le complicazioni burocratiche più inutili?"

Temas para diário

Descrivi una situazione in cui hai fatto uno sforzo inutile. Cosa è successo?

Quali sono tre cose nel tuo ufficio o nella tua casa che consideri inutili?

Pensi che l'arte debba essere utile o può essere 'inutile'?

Scrivi di un momento in cui hai capito che discutere con qualcuno era inutile.

Rifletti sull'espressione 'inutile piangere sul latte versato'. Ti trovi d'accordo?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'inutile' ends in -e, so it is the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. For example: 'un libro inutile' and 'una penna inutile'.

The plural is 'inutili' for both masculine and feminine nouns. For example: 'libri inutili' and 'penne inutili'.

'Inutile' is more common for general uselessness. 'Vano' is more formal or literary and specifically describes efforts that didn't work, like 'un vano tentativo' (a vain attempt).

Yes, 'È inutile che' requires the subjunctive because it expresses a subjective evaluation or opinion. Example: 'È inutile che tu vada' (It's useless for you to go).

Yes, but be careful. Calling someone 'inutile' is quite insulting and means they are incompetent or of no help in a situation.

Yes, it is very common in everyday conversation, news, and literature. You will hear it frequently in Italy.

The most direct opposite is 'utile' (useful). Other opposites include 'indispensabile' (indispensable) or 'efficace' (effective).

The adverb is 'inutilmente'. For example: 'Abbiamo aspettato inutilmente' (We waited uselessly/in vain).

It means 'needless to say' or 'it goes without saying'. It is a common introductory phrase.

It's better to use 'superfluo' if something is just extra or unnecessary but not necessarily without any use at all.

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