Useless describes something that has no practical value or function.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes things that lack usefulness.
- Cannot achieve intended purpose or function.
- Often used for old, broken, or outdated items.
Overview
“无用”是一个形容词，用来描述事物缺乏实用性或价值。当某物“无用”时，意味着它不能完成预期的任务，或者已经失去了其原有的功能和意义。这个词的语境可以很广泛，从具体的物品到抽象的概念都可以使用。
“无用”通常用在名词前面作为定语，或者用在动词“是”、“显得”、“变得”等后面作为表语。例如，“这把旧椅子已经无用了。” 或者 “他的建议听起来有些无用。” 这个词语比较直接，常用于日常交流和书面语中。
在日常生活中，“无用”常用来形容不再需要或损坏的物品，比如“无用的旧衣服”、“无用的工具”。在讨论技能或知识时，如果它们不再符合时代发展或实际需求，也可以说“无用”，比如“过时的技术是无用的”。在比较抽象的语境中，比如评价某个计划或想法时，如果认为它不能带来任何好处，也可以用“无用”。
“鸡肋”是一个比喻，指那些食之无味，弃之可惜的东西。它比“无用”的程度要轻，表示有一定价值但不大，或者不值得投入过多精力。例如，“这个项目虽然收益不高，但也不能算鸡肋。”
“无效”更侧重于事物不产生预期效果或不符合规定、法律。例如，“合同无效”、“药物无效”。“无用”则更强调缺乏实用性或价值。
“白费”通常指付出的努力、时间或金钱没有得到任何回报，强调的是一种徒劳无功的结果。例如，“白费力气”、“白费钱”。“无用”则直接描述事物本身的状态。
Examples
这件旧衣服太小了，对我来说已经无用了。
everydayThis old piece of clothing is too small; it's useless to me now.
在信息爆炸的时代，固步自封的学习方式显得有些无用。
academicIn the era of information explosion, a rigid learning style appears somewhat useless.
他尝试了很多方法，但都无用，最终放弃了。
everydayHe tried many methods, but they were all useless, and he finally gave up.
那些过时的技术资料，对于现在的研究来说几乎是无用的。
formalThose outdated technical documents are almost useless for current research.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
无用的
useless
变得无用
become useless
毫无用处
of no use whatsoever
Often Confused With
'无效' means ineffective or invalid, often in a legal or medical context (e.g., an invalid contract, ineffective medicine). '无用' means generally useless or lacking practical value.
'白费' means to waste effort or resources, focusing on the futile outcome of an action (e.g., wasting time). '无用' describes the state of the thing itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '无用' is generally neutral in formality but can sound harsh if used carelessly. It's best suited for describing objects, tools, or abstract concepts rather than people. When discussing skills or knowledge, it implies they are outdated or irrelevant.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using '无用' to describe people, which is considered very rude. Another error is using it when '无效' (ineffective) or '白费' (wasted effort) would be more precise.
Tips
Focus on Lack of Function
Remember that '无用' emphasizes the absence of practical use or purpose. Think of it as 'serving no purpose'.
Avoid Using for People
Using '无用' to describe people is highly offensive and should be avoided in all social contexts.
Value of Practicality
Chinese culture often values practicality and utility. Words like '无用' reflect a direct assessment of an object's or idea's usefulness in daily life.
Word Origin
The word '无用' is composed of '无' (wú), meaning 'not have' or 'without', and '用' (yòng), meaning 'use' or 'utility'. Together, they literally mean 'without use'.
Cultural Context
In many Chinese contexts, practicality and efficiency are highly valued. Therefore, identifying something as '无用' is a straightforward way to dismiss its relevance or value.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '无' (no) sign over a '用' (use) symbol – meaning 'no use' or useless.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions在很多情况下，“无用”和“没用”可以互换使用，都表示没有用处。但“无用”在书面语中更常见，语气可能稍微正式一些。而“没用”则更口语化，日常生活中使用频率更高。
通常不直接用“无用”来形容人，因为这样说非常不礼貌，带有强烈的贬低意味。如果想表达某人能力不足或不适合某个岗位，会用更委婉的说法，如“能力不足”、“不适合”等。
在评价人、或者评价有潜在价值但尚未显现的事物时，不适合使用“无用”。直接说人“无用”是非常伤人的。对于一些需要时间才能看到结果的事情，过早下结论说“无用”可能是不准确的。
“无用”表示完全没有用处，程度比较深。它意味着事物已经完全丧失了功能或价值，或者从一开始就不具备任何实用性。
Test Yourself
这台老式电脑已经太______，无法运行现代软件。
句子的意思是电脑无法运行现代软件，说明它已经没有用了，所以选择“无用”。
下列哪个词语最能表达“无用”的意思？
“没有用处”直接表达了“无用”的核心含义，即缺乏实用性。
请将以下词语组成一个通顺的句子：他，觉得，这些，东西，很，无用。
这是一个主谓宾结构，主语是“他”，谓语是“觉得”，宾语是“这些东西很无用”。
Score: /3
Summary
Useless describes something that has no practical value or function.
- Describes things that lack usefulness.
- Cannot achieve intended purpose or function.
- Often used for old, broken, or outdated items.
Focus on Lack of Function
Remember that '无用' emphasizes the absence of practical use or purpose. Think of it as 'serving no purpose'.
Avoid Using for People
Using '无用' to describe people is highly offensive and should be avoided in all social contexts.
Value of Practicality
Chinese culture often values practicality and utility. Words like '无用' reflect a direct assessment of an object's or idea's usefulness in daily life.
Examples
4 of 4这件旧衣服太小了，对我来说已经无用了。
This old piece of clothing is too small; it's useless to me now.
在信息爆炸的时代，固步自封的学习方式显得有些无用。
In the era of information explosion, a rigid learning style appears somewhat useless.
他尝试了很多方法，但都无用，最终放弃了。
He tried many methods, but they were all useless, and he finally gave up.
那些过时的技术资料，对于现在的研究来说几乎是无用的。
Those outdated technical documents are almost useless for current research.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
