unusable tools

[/ʌnˈjuːzəbəl tuːlz/]
noun phrasepl: unusable tools
ferramentas inutilizáveis
1. Tools or implements that cannot be used due to damage, malfunction, or deterioration
The garage was filled with unusable tools that hadn't been maintained in years.
A garagem estava cheia de ferramentas inutilizáveis que não eram mantidas há anos.
2. Equipment or instruments that are broken, obsolete, or non-functional for their intended purpose
After the flood, most of the workshop's unusable tools had to be discarded.
Após a enchente, a maioria das ferramentas inutilizáveis da oficina teve de ser descartada.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, unusable tools represent wasted resources. In Brazil, there's often a cultural tendency to hold onto broken tools hoping they can be repaired (conserto), reflecting a more resourceful, make-do attitude. In the US, particularly in NYC, there's typically a quicker disposal mindset. The phrase is commonly used in workshops, construction sites, and manufacturing settings across both cultures.
NYC Slang
busted tools, trash tools, dead tools
Synonyms / Sinônimos
broken toolsdefective toolsnon-functional toolsdamaged equipmentinoperative implements
Antonyms / Antônimos
usable toolsfunctional toolsworking equipmentoperational implements

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ferramentas inutilizáveis
Standard translation used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
ferramentas sem uso
Alternative informal expression meaning 'tools without use'
Rio de Janeiro
ferramentas pra jogar fora
Colloquial: 'tools to throw away'
Portugal
ferramentas inutilizáveis
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'ferramentas danificadas' (damaged tools)

Related Words

maintenancerepairmalfunctiondeteriorationdiscardsalvage

Related Idioms & Phrases

a tool in one's toolbox that no longer works
dead weight in the workshop
tools past their prime
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