Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

futile

[fyoot-l, fyoo-tahyl] / ˈfjut l, ˈfju taɪl /


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.

See Examples For:

Unless clear limits are introduced against "mistaken belief" in consent, victims' efforts may be "rendered futile", she told AFP.

From Barron's Jul. 20, 2026

The futile paradox of these so-called live-action adaptations is they require a tsunami of pixels to surround actual human performers with everything audiences adored the first time.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 9, 2026

Data show that many patients lose weight initially but gain it back over time, thus making their temporary weight loss futile and potentially detrimental.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 26, 2026

Afterwards, Burgos was early in recognizing that attempts to defeat Mamdani in the general election were likely futile.

From Salon Jun. 13, 2026

The scholastic philosophy taught in the universities, based on Aristotle, was, Bacon insisted, caught up in a series of futile arguments which could never generate new knowledge of the sort he was looking for.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton




Vocabulary lists containing futile


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training