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.

Avuncular and experienced, he advises her to be more likable, which seems futile, because everyone she meets quickly gets exasperated by her combination of earnest idealism and hall-monitor insistence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Debating whether the England or South Africa loss was more degrading for Welsh rugby seems futile.

From BBC

Deciding whether reclaiming some online privacy is important, frivolous or futile is up to you.

From Salon

“I quite agree, Alexander,” Penelope said, making a final, futile effort to read the map before putting it away.

From Literature

Doctors can refuse treatment if they consider a woman’s chances very poor or futile, but they need to offer options, including referrals to another doctor.

From The Wall Street Journal

futile

Example Sentences

Related Words