Inúteis

Inúteis is the plural form of the Portuguese adjective inútil, meaning not useful or having little or no practical value. It can describe objects that do not fulfill a function, actions that fail to achieve their goals, or behaviors considered ineffective. The term can also be used, sometimes pejoratively, to refer to people or efforts viewed as lacking value or practicality, though its use toward people can be offensive in some contexts.

Etymology and form: Inútil comes from Latin inutilis, literally “not usable,” from in- (not) + utilis (useful). The adjective is invariable in gender in its singular form (inútil for both masculine and feminine singular) and takes the plural form inúteis for both masculine and feminine plural.

Usage: In sentences, inútil can appear before the noun or after a linking verb. Examples include: "Este objeto é inútil para esse fim," or "As propostas dele são inúteis." In everyday speech, the word conveys a strong assessment of lack of usefulness and can be aimed at things, plans, or methods, rather than neutrally describing value.

Alternatives and nuances: Synonyms include inútil, ineficaz, sem utilidade, improdutivo. Antonyms include útil, útil, eficaz, valioso. The choice of term depends on nuance: inúteis emphasizes lack of practicality, while ineficaz focuses on failure to achieve results, and sem utilidade highlights absence of usefulness rather than efficacy.

See also: utile, utilidade, útil.