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Definitions

to no avail

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.

The credit union risk manager from Virginia tried to talk her way in to buy a magnet, to no avail.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

In 2021, specialist officers working as part of a unit investigating organised crime also investigated to no avail, though did rule it was "foul play".

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

One 59-year-old with 34 years of experience in the financial-services sector has been job hunting for 17 months, to no avail.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026

Her government has favored dialogue with the protesting teachers, but to no avail.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Both pleaded for their absent spouses— "Emergency operation," "My wife doesn't even speak English"— to no avail.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

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