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Description
Type: Noun phrase
Origin: Urdu, commonly used in everyday language
Expanded Features:
Polarity: Negative
Register: Informal to neutral
Pragmatic Sense: Refers to work or activity that has no value or purpose
Synonyms (Urdu): بے کار کام, ضائع کام
Synonyms (English): futile work, worthless task, unnecessary activity
Antonyms (Urdu): مفید کام, ضروری کام
Antonyms (English): productive work, useful task, necessary activity
Key Nuances:
Often used to criticize someone’s effort
Implies wasted time or energy
Common in both personal and professional contexts
Usage Contexts:
Household chores done without need
Office tasks with no outcome
Any activity considered a waste of time
Example Sentences:
Urdu: یہ فضول کام کرنے سے بہتر ہے کہ پڑھائی کرو۔
English: It is better to study than do useless work.
Urdu: وہ ہمیشہ فضول کاموں میں مصروف رہتا ہے۔
English: He is always busy in pointless activities.
Urdu: فضول کام پر وقت ضائع نہ کرو۔
English: Do not waste time on unnecessary tasks.
Cultural Insight: In Urdu-speaking cultures, calling something فضول کام often carries mild disapproval but is widely understood in everyday conversation.
Related Terms:
بے کار (Bekaar): useless
ضائع (Zaya): wasted
مفید (Mufeed): useful