unhelpful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s a reversal of California economic policy as it relates to the entertainment industry in an unhelpful and uncompetitive direction,” said Hilary Krane, CAA’s chief legal officer, in an interview.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
“Run, Denise!” is the kind of unhelpful remark, delivered by Greg when his wife is already well aware that a T. rex is bearing down on her, that defines the dialogue.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
He reiterated calls asking people not to speculate, especially about a potential motive, saying this was "unhelpful" for the investigation and "distressing" to Widdecombe's relatives.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
“This policy is stuck in an unhelpful 2022 mindset. Consumers will continue to reduce savings rates to pay for higher oil prices.”
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026
“Any luck?” asked Constance, who had finally come down the corridor and was standing there, conspicuously unhelpful, as Kate gathered her things.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.