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

Throughout Resistance is Futile there is a prevailing sense that after 30 years of fighting, the Blackwood band are finally giving in to the modern world but - crucially - not giving up.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2018

In a Jan. 26 Movies, Ellin Stein mischaracterized a few of the details of the film A Futile and Stupid Gesture.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2018

Futile, because he had no conviction of this worth.

From Gargoyles by Hecht, Ben

Vocabulary lists containing futile

"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell

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