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to no avail





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.

The 84-year-old had gone in with a serious infection or inflammation following advice from his GP, who tried to contact the hospital ahead of his arrival to no avail.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Consolidating second spot in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics led by as much as 34 points in the third quarter, before the Warriors reduced the deficit but to no avail.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

She said she had visited 21 doctors over the years trying to investigate her condition, to no avail.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

With their mother gone, the teenager tried to feed the baby, who was exclusively breastfed, formula to no avail.

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

As if sensing danger, the bird croaks louder and struggles to get away but to no avail.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung