무용지물

muyongjimul◆idiom

something useless or pointless

이 프로젝트는 무용지물이다.

This project is a waste of time.

◆ What It Really Means

Something that is completely useless or pointless, often referring to an effort or object that serves no purpose.

¶ Literal Meaning

An object without use.

Literal Breakdown

무용useless+지물object

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of an object that has no practical use or value, emphasizing its futility.

◈ When to Use

A person might say '이 프로젝트는 무용지물이다' (This project is a waste of time) when they feel their efforts are not yielding any meaningful results.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects a cultural emphasis on practicality and efficiency in Korean society, where efforts and objects are expected to have clear purposes.

informal

Something that is completely useless or pointless, often referring to an effort or object that serves no purpose.

그 책은 무용지물이다.

That book is useless.

This idiom is often used to express frustration or disappointment with something that has no value or purpose.

Synonyms

쓸모없는 것 가치 없는 것 무가치한 것

Antonyms

유용한 것 가치가 있는 것 필요한 것

Pro Tip

Usage Tip

This idiom is often used to express strong negative feelings about something that is seen as a waste of time or effort.

Word Origin

The term is composed of '무용' (useless) and '지물' (object), literally meaning 'an object without use'.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something that is completely useless or pointless.

Word Breakdown

무용

useless

root

지물

object

root

한영사전

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