relatively unhelpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively unhelpful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not very helpful compared to other options or in a specific context. Example: "The feedback I received was relatively unhelpful, as it did not address the main issues I was facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The numbers have alarmed drug policy experts, their foreboding heightened by the realization that the usual regulatory tools may be relatively unhelpful in this new crisis.

The New York Times - Science

Most analysts and commentators who follow the retail sector reckon the ONS numbers can actually be relatively unhelpful; they prefer to follow the information provided by organisations like the British Retail Consortium, or the Springboard footfall figures.

Independent

EU vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis attempted to calm the mood, saying: "There is no secret that these negotiations are very complicated and there was also some relatively unhelpful rhetoric, but it's clear that from the institutions' side we are willing to work with the Greek government".

Independent

5) Available diagnostic categories are relatively unhelpful in distinguishing severity – No distinction is made between an individual that just meets the threshold for a specific category and another individual that has had multiple severe episodes.

BMC Psychiatry

Ultrasound is a simpler and more easily accessible test and is often used, although it is relatively unhelpful with tendon injuries in the groin as compared to MRI [ 15].

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In contrast, clients who report doing homework every day but who had difficulty with the assignment or who described it as unhelpful might be rated relatively lower in terms of compliance.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

It may be that the relatively greater demand of verbal (compared to imagery-based) worry on working memory capacity is particularly unhelpful for high-worriers, because their resources are already depleted (by cognitive biases), leading to the persistence of worry.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

The videos were rather unhelpful in terms of the visibility of some interpersonal behaviours, and the quality of the tapes was relatively poor.

BMC Pediatrics

How unhelpful?

The New Yorker

So unhelpful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unhelpful speculation?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively unhelpful", ensure the context clearly implies a comparison. What is it unhelpful compared to?

Common error

Avoid using "relatively unhelpful" when the lack of helpfulness is absolute. In such cases, "unhelpful" is stronger and more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively unhelpful" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited degree of helpfulness. It suggests something is not particularly useful in comparison to other options or expectations, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively unhelpful" is used to describe something that isn't providing the required assistance, as per Ludwig AI's grammatical status check. It functions as an adjective phrase with a neutral tone, implying that something is not as helpful as it could be, rather than being completely useless. Given its usage across news, science, and to a lesser extent, academia, it is versatile. For greater impact, consider options like "somewhat unhelpful" or "not very helpful". Be sure the context highlights what is less helpful to ensure your message is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unhelpful

Indicates a slightly lower degree of helpfulness. Similar meaning, minor variation in intensity.

not very helpful

A straightforward and common way to express a lack of assistance. More direct, slightly less formal.

marginally unhelpful

Highlights the slight degree to which something is not helpful. Implies a small negative impact.

slightly unhelpful

Similar to 'somewhat unhelpful' but may suggest an even smaller degree of being unhelpful. A subtle difference.

a bit unhelpful

Informal way of expressing a slight lack of helpfulness. More casual, less formal tone.

rather unhelpful

Indicates a notable degree of being unhelpful. More emphatic, similar to 'quite unhelpful'.

kind of unhelpful

Informal and subjective way of expressing a lack of helpfulness. Conveys personal opinion.

less than helpful

Emphasizes the comparison to a standard of helpfulness. Highlights the deficiency.

not particularly helpful

Similar to 'not very helpful' but slightly more formal. Adds a bit of nuance.

scarcely helpful

Indicates that something is barely helpful or almost not helpful at all. Emphasizes the minimal utility.

FAQs

What does "relatively unhelpful" mean?

The phrase "relatively unhelpful" means something is not very helpful compared to other options or expectations. It suggests a degree of helpfulness exists, but it's limited or insufficient in a given context.

How can I use "relatively unhelpful" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively unhelpful" to describe information, advice, or tools that don't provide much assistance. For example, "The instructions were "relatively unhelpful", as they skipped crucial steps."

What are some alternatives to "relatively unhelpful"?

Alternatives to "relatively unhelpful" include "somewhat unhelpful", "not very helpful", or "marginally unhelpful". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unhelpful" or "relatively unhelpful"?

Use "unhelpful" when something provides no assistance at all. Use "relatively unhelpful" when something offers limited or insufficient help, implying a comparative lack of utility.