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.

"When you're really deeply in love, it feels like a song is so futile," she says.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Under the circumstances, it is no wonder that “turning the page” was futile, and would be again.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

A team led by Lawrence Kazak at McGill University's Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute has now identified the molecular trigger for this alternative system, known as the futile creatine cycle.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

But once war arrives, it’s futile and cowardly to try to stand apart from it on the pretext that you’re not responsible for it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Not everything had a cause, and pretending otherwise was an interference in the workings of the world that was futile, and could even lead to grief.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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