unhelpful
adjective
un·help·ful
ˌən-ˈhelp-fəl 
Southern often -ˈhep-
also -ˈheəp-
: offering no assistance : not helpful
a rude, unhelpful person
a confusing and unhelpful textbook
unhelpfully
adverb
unhelpfulness
noun
Examples of unhelpful in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the unhelpful adults in their lives, combined with the harsh realities of the world, threaten to tear it apart.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Body language and low energy Even if your child isn't vocally criticizing themself, their inner voice could still be piling on with unhelpful criticism, especially in the wake of a notable mistake or setback, Kamphoff notes.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Though it should be noted that these programs do not directly address co-occurring mental health issues and could unintentionally reinforce unhelpful behaviors.
—Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
Name-calling is juvenile, unhelpful in achieving one's goals, and is a bad example to especially young people.
—Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
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Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Body language and low energy Even if your child isn't vocally criticizing themself, their inner voice could still be piling on with unhelpful criticism, especially in the wake of a notable mistake or setback, Kamphoff notes.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Though it should be noted that these programs do not directly address co-occurring mental health issues and could unintentionally reinforce unhelpful behaviors.
—Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
Name-calling is juvenile, unhelpful in achieving one's goals, and is a bad example to especially young people.
—Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unhelpful
Cite this Entry
“Unhelpful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unhelpful. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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