Spanish Conversation · Level 43
73 words
Spanish word
inútil
Pronunciation
IPA/iˈnutil/
Meaning
- adjectiveuseless
Example
Este cuchillo es inútil para cortar el pan.
This knife is useless for cutting bread.
More examples
Es inútil intentar abrir esa puerta sin la llave.
It's useless to try to open that door without the key.
Core concept
Thing, person, or attempt that produces no desired effect.
Common phrases
es inútil intentar
useless to try
objeto inútil
useless object
Similar words
inservible: Cannot be used because broken, damaged, or otherwise unfit to perform its function.
ineficaz: Does not produce the expected effect or outcome even when applied.
innecesario: Lacks necessity in the situation and provides no useful benefit if used.
Definition in Spanish
Que no cumple su función o propósito, o que no produce el efecto deseado.
Word origin
From Latin inutilis combining in- 'not' with utilis 'useful', which gives the straightforward meaning 'not useful' in Spanish.
Usage tips
- As an adjective it frequently expresses futility in constructions like es inútil + infinitive, while calling someone un inútil is typically an insulting label rather than casual criticism.
Other meanings
- pointlessadjective
- good-for-nothingnoun
Opposites
- útilusefuladjective
Related words
- inutilidaduselessnessnoun
- inutilizarrender uselessverb