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

Adri Salido / Getty Images The crisis has fueled anti-immigration rhetoric throughout Europe and sparked diplomatic tensions within the European Union over border policy, with Spain accusing some partners of an unhelpful and polarizing response. — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026

Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches skills like establishing a consistent sleep schedule, strengthening the connection between bed and sleep, and changing the unhelpful worries that keep people awake. — Joan M. Cook, Time, 31 July 2026

Communicating once and pretending people are not having reactions and doubts is unhelpful. — Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Alice questions Mira while Frank mutters completely unhelpful asides from behind the glass partition. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unhelpful

• helpful