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.

Harrison said he expects restrictions like those requested of Planet to become more common, but increasingly more futile as the industry expands and new providers emerge across the globe.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

In today’s coarsened climate, fretting about rules of politeness seems futile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

For now, mining is largely done in ways reminiscent of the United States' gold rush in the 19th century, when so many ended up exhausted in a futile hunt for treasure.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

With as many Netflix original movies as I’ve seen and as cognizant as I am about them being constructed to appeal to the growing attention-deficient demographic, these futile additional aspects always take me by surprise.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

Flittman thought Drummer was going to wet on him again and it was more than the harassed and futile little man could stand.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

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