What does the term superfluous man mean in relation to Eugene Onegin?

The term superfluous man refers to a recurring archetype in 19th-century Russian literature that was first introduced by Aleksandr Pushkin in his novel in verse, Eugene Onegin.12

As the original superfluous man, the character Eugene Onegin is depicted as a disillusioned, well-educated aristocrat. Despite his intelligence and awareness of the injustices surrounding him, he is characterized by an inability or unwillingness to engage in positive, effective action.12

In the narrative, this trait leads to tragic consequences: Onegin wastes his life, allows the woman who loves him to marry another, and becomes involved in a duel that results in the death of his best friend. Ultimately, the superfluous man represents a figure who remains a bystander, rendered incapable of meaningful contribution or change due to his own skepticism and detachment.12