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.

Jackie Tohn, 45, is an actress known for TV’s “GLOW” and the film “A Futile and Stupid Gesture.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

Stewart introduced the audience to a new segment "The Futile Crescent" with a "Middle East Conflict Disclaimer Cam."

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2024

Futile protests can also be a delaying tactic.

From Slate • Aug. 9, 2019

On Friday 13 April the Manic Street Preachers released their 13th studio album Resistance is Futile.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2018

Futile attempts of physician to save crushed leg of young miner.

From The Shirley Letters from California Mines in 1851-52 by Clappe, Louise Amelia Knapp Smith

Vocabulary lists containing futile

"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell

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