futilely

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.

Ondro likens his guilt-racked migrations to the story of Jonah, who tried futilely to run from God’s message to him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Fall River is one of those northern post-industrial cities that’s been futilely trying to reverse decline for decades, first by bulldozing historic neighborhoods to build highways, and now by constructing breweries and farmer’s markets.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

Some scampered futilely on the treadmill as they did so, but others remained still.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 1, 2023

After which, poor Ham once again dug futilely deep for positives.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2022

Beside him, futilely trying to move him, stood Mr. Ages.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien