Definitions

to no avail

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fruitless adj.
futile adj.
unavailing adj.

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.

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to no avail

Concerned employees reportedly ran the story by the outlet’s standards department, to no avail.

From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2026

Palace have attempted to renew Mateta's contract over the past the 12 months but to no avail.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

FlightAware claimed in the suit that it had sent Kalshi cease-and-desist letters, to no avail, and wants Kalshi to stop offering bets on canceled flights “before there is any harm to public safety.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

I wanted something small like a bran muffin and quickly scanned the menu for “I Am Regular” to no avail.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026

He had been calling the Claiborne house all day, to no avail.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

to no avail

Example Sentences

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