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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.

In today’s coarsened climate, fretting about rules of politeness seems futile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

For now, mining is largely done in ways reminiscent of the United States' gold rush in the 19th century, when so many ended up exhausted in a futile hunt for treasure.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

So you’re not saying that that is a pointless exercise, that the pushback is futile because none of this has meaning.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

With as many Netflix original movies as I’ve seen and as cognizant as I am about them being constructed to appeal to the growing attention-deficient demographic, these futile additional aspects always take me by surprise.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

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

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.