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

The gnarled fruit was nearly ready, and I futilely pleaded with state workers to give me just a few more weeks so I could pick it one final time.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2024

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

From Science Magazine • Nov. 1, 2023

With fingers weakening in the cold, Anya tugged futilely at the barbed rope on the outside.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack