Useless describes something that serves no purpose, has no benefit, or is ineffective.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something lacking purpose or value.
- Emphasizes a lack of function or benefit.
- Often carries a negative connotation.
Overview
“无用的”是一个形容词，用来描述某物或某人没有任何价值、益处或用途。它表达的是一种缺乏功能性、效率或目的性的状态。这个词通常带有负面评价，暗示着某事物或某人没有达到其应有的作用，或者根本不应该存在。
“无用的”通常直接修饰名词，例如“无用的东西”、“无用的建议”。它也可以用在“是无用的”、“显得无用”等句式中，作为表语。在某些语境下，它也可以用来形容人，但通常带有批评意味，指某人缺乏能力或不被需要。
人与能力：评价某人缺乏技能或不被社会所需要，例如“他觉得自己是个无用的人。”（这种情况较少见，且语气较重）
“徒劳的”强调的是付出了努力但没有得到任何结果，侧重于努力的白费。而“无用的”则侧重于事物本身缺乏价值或功能。“徒劳的”通常与动词搭配，如“徒劳的尝试”，而“无用的”可以修饰名词。
两者意思非常接近，都表示没有用处。“没用的”更口语化一些，而“无用的”稍微书面化，但日常交流中可以互换使用。例如，“这东西没用/无用。”
“无意义的”强调的是缺乏意义或目的，可能并非完全没有功能，只是不重要或不值得。“无用的”则更直接地指缺乏实际功能或价值。
Examples
这把坏掉的尺子量不出准确的长度，真是无用的东西。
everydayThis broken ruler cannot measure accurate lengths; it's truly a useless item.
在会议上提出那些不切实际的建议显得十分无用。
formalMaking those unrealistic suggestions in the meeting appeared quite useless.
我试着修好了这个旧玩具，但最后发现它还是无用的。
informalI tried to fix this old toy, but in the end, I found it was still useless.
研究表明，重复进行无用的实验会浪费大量资源。
academicResearch indicates that repeatedly conducting useless experiments wastes significant resources.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一无是处
good for nothing; utterly useless
事倍功半
get twice the result with half the effort (opposite of useless effort)
Often Confused With
'没用的' is a more colloquial and common alternative to '无用的'. While '无用的' can sometimes sound slightly more formal or literary, they are often interchangeable in everyday conversation.
'徒劳的' emphasizes that an effort was made but yielded no results, focusing on the futility of the action. '无用的' focuses more on the inherent lack of value or function of the subject itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '无用的' is a common adjective used to describe things, ideas, or actions that lack utility or purpose. It carries a negative connotation and is generally used when something fails to meet expectations or is simply non-functional. While it can technically describe people, doing so is often considered harsh and impolite in direct conversation.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using '无用的' too directly when criticizing people, which can be offensive. It's also important to distinguish it from similar words like '徒劳的' (futile), which focuses on wasted effort rather than inherent lack of use.
Tips
Focus on Lack of Function
When using '无用的', think about what is not working, not needed, or not achieving its intended goal.
Avoid Direct Use on People
Calling someone '无用的' is harsh and impolite. Consider softer phrasing if you need to express criticism about someone's abilities or contribution.
Efficiency is Valued
Chinese culture, like many others, values efficiency and productivity. Describing something as '无用的' implies it goes against this value.
Word Origin
The word '无用的' is composed of '无' (wú), meaning 'not' or 'without', and '有用' (yǒuyòng), meaning 'useful'. Thus, its literal meaning is 'without use' or 'not useful'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, practical value and effectiveness are highly regarded. Describing something as '无用的' implies it fails to contribute positively or efficiently, which is generally seen as undesirable.
Memory Tip
Think of '无用的' as 'no use'. If something has 'no use', it's useless. Imagine a broken tool that you can't use for anything – it's 无用的.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“无用的”和“没用的”在意思上非常接近，都表示没有用处。“没用的”更偏向口语化，而“无用的”稍微书面化一些，但在实际使用中，两者常常可以互换。
可以，但通常带有强烈的负面评价和批评意味，指某人缺乏能力、不被需要或对他人造成负担。在日常交流中，直接用“无用的”形容人是不太礼貌的。
“无用的”侧重于事物本身缺乏价值或功能。“徒劳的”则强调付出了努力但没有得到任何结果，侧重于过程的白费。例如，一个坏掉的工具是“无用的”，而一次注定失败的尝试是“徒劳的”。
最常见的语境是描述物品、信息、建议或努力缺乏实际价值和功能，例如“无用的工具”、“无用的信息”。
Test Yourself
这件旧衣服已经过时了，对我来说已经 ______。
“无用的”最适合描述不再有价值或用途的东西。
下列哪个词语最接近“无用的”的意思？
“没用的”是“无用的”最常见的口语近义词。
描述一个尝试，虽然付出了努力但没有成功。
“徒劳的”强调努力白费，符合情景描述。
Score: /3
Summary
Useless describes something that serves no purpose, has no benefit, or is ineffective.
- Describes something lacking purpose or value.
- Emphasizes a lack of function or benefit.
- Often carries a negative connotation.
Focus on Lack of Function
When using '无用的', think about what is not working, not needed, or not achieving its intended goal.
Avoid Direct Use on People
Calling someone '无用的' is harsh and impolite. Consider softer phrasing if you need to express criticism about someone's abilities or contribution.
Efficiency is Valued
Chinese culture, like many others, values efficiency and productivity. Describing something as '无用的' implies it goes against this value.
Examples
4 of 4这把坏掉的尺子量不出准确的长度，真是无用的东西。
This broken ruler cannot measure accurate lengths; it's truly a useless item.
在会议上提出那些不切实际的建议显得十分无用。
Making those unrealistic suggestions in the meeting appeared quite useless.
我试着修好了这个旧玩具，但最后发现它还是无用的。
I tried to fix this old toy, but in the end, I found it was still useless.
研究表明，重复进行无用的实验会浪费大量资源。
Research indicates that repeatedly conducting useless experiments wastes significant resources.
Related Content
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.
