役立(やくだ)たず

Formed from 役(やく)に立(た)つ (to be useful) + ず (classical negative suffix). Literally "one that doesn't serve a purpose." When directed at people, it is a strong insult. Can also describe objects that have lost their function.

Common collocations

• 役立(やくだ)たずの道具(どうぐ): a useless tool
• 役立(やくだ)たず扱(あつか)い: treated as useless
• 役立(やくだ)たずと呼(よ)ばれる: to be called useless

Usage

A harsh, insulting word when directed at people. Often appears in fiction, drama, and anime. In real life, calling someone 役立(やくだ)たず is quite offensive. Can be used self-deprecatingly in a humorous context.

Similar words

• 無能(むのう): incompetent — more formal insult
• 使(つか)い物(もの)にならない: unusable, no good — describes things or people that don't function
• 駄目(だめ): no good — broader and less harsh