French Conversation · Level 73
60 words
French word
inutilement
Pronunciation
IPA/inytiləmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbin vain
Example
J'ai essayé inutilement de le convaincre.
I tried in vain to convince him.
More examples
Elle a perdu du temps inutilement hier.
She wasted time unnecessarily yesterday.
Core concept
An effort that produces no useful result.
Common phrases
perdre inutilement du temps
waste time unnecessarily
Similar words
pour rien: With time or effort wasted and nothing gained.
en vain: Without producing the desired effect despite an attempt.
Definition in French
Sans utilité, d'une manière inutile; qualifie une action effectuée sans résultat utile.
Word origin
Inutilement derives from Latin inutile, formed with in- meaning 'not' and utile from utilis meaning 'useful', plus the adverbial suffix -ment.
Usage tips
- Inutilement is an adverb, while inutile is the adjective, as in C'est inutile; the adverb modifies an action or verb.