Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Highly effective or useful: Describes a person, method, or tool that is exceptionally effective, valuable, and well-utilized in a specific role or situation.
   • Having found a fitting position: Refers to a person who has obtained a job or role that is well-suited to their talents and abilities, allowing them to be fully utilized and successful.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy là một trợ lý rất đắc dụng. (He is a very effective assistant.)
  • Phương pháp mới này tỏ ra vô cùng đắc dụng. (This new method has proven to be extremely useful.)
  • Cô ấy cảm thấy mình rất đắc dụng trong công việc mới. (She feels she is very well-utilized in her new job.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a connotation of a perfect match between one's inherent qualities and the requirements of a task or position, leading to high performance and satisfaction.
• It can describe abstract concepts like strategies or qualities, not just people.
  • Sự kiên nhẫn của anh ấy rất đắc dụng trong đàm phán. (His patience was very effective in the negotiations.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đắc lực (adj): powerful, strong, effective (often used for people providing great support).
  • Người bạn đắc lực. (A strong right hand / an effective ally.)

Synonyms

• Effective: successful in producing a desired result.
• Useful: able to be used for a practical purpose.
• Well-utilized: used in a way that makes the most of one's abilities.

Related Idioms

• While "đắc dụng" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its meaning is related to the concept of:
  • Đắc địa: to be in an advantageous position.
  • Người đúng việc: the right person for the job.

1. Get a deserving job (suitable to one's talents..)