άχρηστος
áchristos/ˈa.xɾi.stos/
The English word useless is translated into Greek as άχρηστος (áchristos).
The term is used to describe someone or something that is without use or the possibility of being used.
Meaning: without use or possibility to be used (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix α- (meaning without) and χρήστος (meaning useful or good), literally translating to without use.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on gender and number. The masculine singular is άχρηστος, the feminine singular is άχρηστη and the neuter singular is άχρηστα. For plural forms, use άχρηστοι for masculine and άχρηστες for feminine. If you are addressing a man directly, such as when saying 'You useless man!', use the masculine singular vocative form άχρηστε.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is áchristos. The pronunciation is /ˈa.xɾi.stos/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, calling someone άχρηστος is often perceived as a much harsher personal attack on their character than calling an object 'useless' in English.
- While 'useless' in English is purely functional, the root of άχρηστος comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning 'good' or 'ethical'.
- The prefix α- in άχρηστος acts as a 'privative', a linguistic tool that doesn't just mean 'not', but implies the total absence of a quality.
Examples in context
- Ήσουν άχρηστος.You were useless.This sentence shows the masculine singular form άχρηστος.Tatoeba #5387680 by Zeus, translation #2255294 by CK
- Άντε ρε άχρηστε!Shoo, you useless man!This sentence uses the masculine singular vocative form άχρηστε to address someone.
- Μα τι άχρηστος που είσαι! Ούτε ένα πρόβλημα δεν μπορείς να λύσεις;Oh you are so useless! Can't you solve even one problem?This sentence uses the adjective άχρηστος.
- Αυτό το εργαλείο είναι άχρηστο.This tool is useless.
- Αυτή η μεθοδολογία είναι ανώφελη.This methodology is useless.
- Αυτό το κινητό είναι μάπα.This phone is useless.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris is trying to fix a broken toaster.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΑυτό το μηχάνημα είναι πια άχρηστος.Auto to michanima einai pia achristos.This machine is now useless.
- Μαρία MariaΜήπως μπορείς να το φτιάξεις;Mipos boreis na to ftiakseis?Maybe you can fix it?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΌχι, είναι τελείως άχρηστος.Ochi, einai teleios achristos.No, it is completely useless.
- Μαρία MariaΤότε θα αγοράσουμε ένα καινούργιο.Tote tha agoraseume ena kainourgio.Then we will buy a new one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “useless” translations and entries άχρηστος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries άχρηστος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
