Definitions

futile

[fyoot-l, fyoo-tahyl] / ˈfyut l, ˈfyu taɪl /

ADJECTIVE

hopeless, pointless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fruitless hollow impractical ineffective ineffectual insufficient trivial unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful useless vain worthless

WEAK

abortive barren bootless delusive empty exhausted forlorn idle impracticable in vain no dice nugatory on a treadmill otiose out the window profitless resultless save one's breath sterile to no avail to no effect to no purpose trifling unavailing unimportant unneeded unreal unsatisfactory unsubstantial valueless

Antonyms

STRONGEST

effective fruitful helpful productive profitable successful useful valuable worthwhile

WEAK

hopeful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jackie Tohn, 45, is an actress known for TV’s “GLOW” and the film “A Futile and Stupid Gesture.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

Stewart introduced the audience to a new segment "The Futile Crescent" with a "Middle East Conflict Disclaimer Cam."

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2024

On Friday 13 April the Manic Street Preachers released their 13th studio album Resistance is Futile.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2018

Futile but not hopeless — that’s a nice way of putting it.

From The Verge • Mar. 5, 2018

Futile as these endeavors have been, it is nevertheless well to have them before us for our future reference and guidance.

From Vocational Psychology: Its Problems and Methods by Hollingworth, Harry L.

Vocabulary lists containing futile

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