Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for to no avail. Search instead for to+no+avail.
Definitions

to no avail

ADJECTIVE
fruitless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abortive futile ineffective ineffectual pointless unproductive unsuccessful useless
WEAK
barren empty gainless idle in vain infertile profitless spinning one's wheels sterile to no effect unavailable unavailing unfruitful unprofitable unprolific vain
Antonyms
STRONGEST
effective effectual fruitful productive profitable
WEAK
copious plentiful potent successful useful
ADJECTIVE
futile
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 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
ADJECTIVE
unavailing
Synonyms
WEAK
barren empty exhausted fruitless idle impractical in vain ineffective ineffectual on a treadmill save one's breath to no effect to no purpose trifling trivial unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful useless vain valueless worthless

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.

Her government has favored dialogue with the protesting teachers, but to no avail.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

I’ve been trying to meet Jasper Johns, to no avail.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

She followed her pediatrician’s advice, adding tube after tube of rash cream to no avail.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The 84-year-old had gone in with a serious infection or inflammation following advice from his GP, who tried to contact the hospital ahead of his arrival to no avail.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Other agents were subsequently dispatched to investigate, all to no avail.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "to no avail" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com