is utterly unhelpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is utterly unhelpful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that provides no assistance or support in a given context. Example: "The feedback I received on my project was so vague that it is utterly unhelpful in guiding my next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His claim that he is allied with the truth against the forces of conservative darkness may be endearing, but it is utterly unhelpful.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But these are utterly unhelpful labels for audiences.

The Guardian

Moreover, when the economy went sour, the International Monetary Fund -- which much of the world, with considerable justification, views as a branch of the U.S. Treasury Department -- was utterly unhelpful.

The New York Times

By contrast, Ochs found American children to be utterly unhelpful and uncoöperative, citing an eight-year-old boy who wouldn't shower when asked to do so, an eight-year-old girl who refused to get her own silverware from a drawer, a boy who wouldn't tie his sneakers.

The New Yorker

But in the representative's defense, bloodless ethical saws like "the greatest good for the greatest number," are utterly unhelpful.

University of Chicago

That is utterly, utterly wrong".

Independent

Jackie is utterly beautiful, utterly charming.

The New Yorker

It is utterly humdrum, utterly everyday.

Independent

She is utterly alive.

The New Yorker

It is utterly cruel.

Independent

"It is utterly disgraceful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is utterly unhelpful", ensure the context clearly defines what is expected to be helpful and why the subject fails to meet that expectation. Specificity strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is utterly unhelpful" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly harsh or subjective. Opt for more nuanced and objective language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is utterly unhelpful" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as lacking utility or assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it used to express a strong negative assessment of something's helpfulness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is utterly unhelpful" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a strong sense of lacking assistance or value. Ludwig AI validates this, also shows that although perfectly valid, it can come across as strong and emotionally charged in certain contexts. While "utterly" intensifies the lack of helpfulness, it may be too informal for some formal settings. Consider using alternatives like "is completely useless" or "is of no assistance" for a more neutral tone. Common usage appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is entirely unhelpful

Synonym with a slight variation in intensifier.

is decidedly unhelpful

Adds a sense of certainty and emphasis to the lack of helpfulness.

is completely useless

Emphasizes the total lack of value or function.

doesn't help at all

A more informal way of expressing complete lack of helpfulness.

is of no assistance

Highlights the absence of aid or support.

is totally worthless

Stresses the lack of worth or merit.

is futile

Implies that effort is wasted; no positive outcome is possible.

is counterproductive

Suggests that it hinders progress rather than helping.

is unavailing

Highlights the lack of success or positive impact.

serves no purpose

Focuses on the absence of a useful function.

FAQs

How can I use "is utterly unhelpful" in a sentence?

You can use "is utterly unhelpful" to describe something that fails to provide any assistance or support, like "The vague feedback I received on my project "is utterly unhelpful" in guiding my next steps."

What are some alternatives to "is utterly unhelpful"?

Some alternatives include "is completely useless", "is of no assistance", or "is totally worthless" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is utterly unhelpful"?

It is appropriate when you want to strongly emphasize that something provides no help or is even detrimental. However, consider the tone and audience, as it can come across as harsh.

Is there a more formal way to say "is utterly unhelpful"?

Yes, a more formal alternative could be ""is of no assistance"" or "serves no purpose". These options are less emotionally charged and more suitable for professional contexts.