futile

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.

It was felt that any surgical intervention would be futile, the court heard.

From BBC

Jumping or lunging at Williams is futile, Verse said, because “he’s very able to get away from anything you bring to him.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Look, I know I’m late,” he said quickly at her appraisal, needlessly adjusting the collar of his shirt and making a futile attempt at raking his hair back into place.

From Literature

Attempts to reverse course will likely prove futile — while enabling foreign competitors and unscrupulous individuals and groups to shape the economy in ways that undermine U.S. interests and values.

From MarketWatch

Potts was asked to bowl one more futile spell of bouncers, with the maddening Smith playing tennis-style smashes and signalling a wide to the umpires.

From BBC