useless
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useless
Something that has no use, purpose, or advantage. It is unnecessary or does not help.
Diese alte Maschine ist völlig unnütz, sie funktioniert schon seit Jahren nicht mehr.
This old machine is completely useless; it hasn't worked for years.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-', which expresses negation, and the stem 'nütz', which is derived from 'der Nutzen' (use/benefit). Something that is 'unnütz' (useless) therefore literally has no use.
Er warf die alten, unnützen Kabel weg.
He threw away the old, useless cables.
To emphasize that something serves absolutely no purpose, 'unnütz' (useless) is often combined with adverbs such as 'völlig' (completely), 'total' (totally), or 'komplett' (completely).
Diese alte Anleitung ist völlig unnütz, da die Hälfte der Seiten fehlt.
This old manual is completely useless because half the pages are missing.
When referring to people, 'unnütz' (useless) is often used reflexively with the verb 'fühlen' (to feel). The phrase 'sich unnütz fühlen' (to feel useless) describes the feeling of not being needed or not being able to contribute anything.
Nachdem er seinen Job verloren hatte, fühlte er sich oft unnütz und leer.
After he lost his job, he often felt useless and empty.
If you describe another person as 'unnütz' (useless), it is a strong, negative, and often hurtful statement. It expresses that you consider the person incapable or worthless.
Sein Chef nannte ihn einen unnützen Mitarbeiter, was sehr unfair war.
His boss called him a useless employee, which was very unfair.
sensible
'sinnvoll' and 'unnütz' both describe whether something has a use or purpose. 'sinnvoll' says that something is reasonable and useful. 'unnütz' is the opposite: something does not help, has no clear purpose, or is unnecessary. 'sinnvoll' fits well with plans, decisions, or measures. 'unnütz' is used more when you want to say that something has no practical effect.
Der alte Drucker steht nur noch unnütz im Büro.
The old printer is just sitting uselessly in the office now.
Es ist sinnvoll, vor der Reise die wichtigsten Dokumente zu kopieren.
It is sensible to copy the most important documents before the trip.