A kinder way to say “this is useless”
Why it can fall flat
“this is useless”
“Useless” lands as a verdict on the person who made the work, so they stop listening right there. What you likely mean is that it doesn't solve the problem yet.
Say this instead
- 01
I don't think this report gives us what we need to decide yet. Could we talk about what's missing and how to fill the gap?
Boss · Email
Honest upward feedback lands better here because it names the missing outcome instead of attacking the report.
- 02
This version doesn't solve the problem for me. The main gap is the missing figures by region. Can we rework that part?
Coworker · Chat
Quick peer feedback like this points to one specific gap and asks for a clear next step.
- 03
Thank you for sending this. In its current form it doesn't meet the brief, because it leaves out the delivery dates. Could you share a revised version?
Client · Email
With a client, this stays polite while making clear the deliverable is not acceptable as it stands.
- 04
I can't use this as it is. The summary doesn't answer the question we were asked. Let's go through what needs to change.
Someone you manage · Chat
For someone you manage, it states the problem plainly and moves straight to fixing it.
- 05
The roles you sent don't match what I asked for, so they aren't helpful to me. I'm only looking at remote product roles. Please send only those.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Repeated mismatched offers waste your time, so this restates your criteria politely and firmly.
- 06
Hi Finley, the photo is too blurry for us to see the fault. Could you send a clearer one, or a short video? We need that to check it.
Customer · SMS
When a customer's material can't be used, this explains why and says exactly what to send instead.
- 07
I'm not sure this meeting is the best use of our time. Could we agree an agenda and the decision needed first, or cover it in a short message?
Coworker · Email
A meeting or process that isn't working gets challenged here, with a practical alternative offered.
- 08
The new tool isn't helping my team: it adds steps and doesn't save us time. Can I show you two examples?
Boss · Chat
Disagreeing with a decision is easier when you give the reason and offer evidence rather than a verdict.
Examples
Hi Ritu, Thanks for sending the draft proposal. In its current form it doesn't work for the client meeting, because it doesn't show costs or a timeline. Could you add both by Thursday so we can review it together on Friday? Thanks, Ashok
Hi Marco, I tried the new checklist this morning and it doesn't help us yet: it repeats steps we already do. Can we look at which parts to cut?
What to avoid
- Don't call the person useless, and keep the comment on the work or the result.
- Sarcasm or emojis meant to soften the blow often read as mockery.
- A verdict with no reason leaves people guessing, so always say what is missing or not working.
- Harsh feedback in a group channel, where others can see it, tends to embarrass the person.
- Words like “completely” or “totally” piled on top make the comment sound personal.