unyttig

Unyttig is a Norwegian adjective that describes something that does not have use or does not lead to the desired or expected outcome. The word is commonly applied to actions, methods, advice, or objects that do not contribute to solving a problem or that are costly in time or resources without providing corresponding benefit. The opposite is nyttig; related expressions include nytteløst and unødvendig.

Etymology: unyttig is formed from the prefix indicating negation (u-) attached to the root nyttig, which derives from nytte meaning benefit. The term is established in modern Norwegian and is used in both Bokmål and Nynorsk.

Usage and nuance: unyttig is used in evaluations of measures, ideas, advice, or tools when they fail to produce the intended effect. It can carry a neutral or critical tone and may justify discarding or revising proposals if costs or risks outweigh the perceived benefit.

Examples of use: Det var unyttig å møte uten klare mål. Dette verktøyet har vist seg å være unyttig i praksis. In English, it corresponds to “pointless,” “useless,” or “not beneficial” in context.

See also: nyttig, nytteløs, unødvendig, unpraktisk.