unhelpful
adjective
un·help·ful
ˌən-ˈhelp-fəl 
Southern often -ˈhep-
also -ˈheəp-
: offering no assistance : not helpful
a rude, unhelpful person
a confusing and unhelpful textbook
unhelpfully
adverb
unhelpfulness
noun
Examples of unhelpful in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many Democrats have accused her of rewriting history, arguing the book is unhelpful and, at times, tone-deaf.
—
Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 2026
This therapy works by modifying sleep habits, regulating sleep-wake schedules, reducing arousal and reframing unhelpful beliefs about sleep.
—Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Such stories, often not true, can be unhelpful.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Some studies have shown that, in the short term, chatbots specifically designed to offer cognitive behavioral therapy — an approach that helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and shift their behavior accordingly — can help with symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unhelpful
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 2026
This therapy works by modifying sleep habits, regulating sleep-wake schedules, reducing arousal and reframing unhelpful beliefs about sleep.
—Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Such stories, often not true, can be unhelpful.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Some studies have shown that, in the short term, chatbots specifically designed to offer cognitive behavioral therapy — an approach that helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and shift their behavior accordingly — can help with symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unhelpful
Cite this Entry
“Unhelpful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unhelpful. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
