Futile
/ˈfjuːtaɪl/
Definitions
Having no practical effect or useful result; pointless.
/ˈfjuːtaɪl/
Producing no result or effect; useless.
Despite their best efforts, the search proved futile.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to open a door that's locked, but you don't have the key. Your attempts to open the door are futile; they won't work, and it's a waste of your time and energy.
👶 For kids: When something is futile, it means it's silly and won't do anything. Like trying to catch a cloud!
More Examples
It was a futile exercise in damage control.
The negotiations were ultimately futile.
She felt that her complaints were futile.
How It's Used
"The doctors made a futile attempt to revive him."
"He knew his efforts were futile, but he persisted nonetheless."
Idioms & expressions
a futile gesture
An action or attempt that is ultimately useless.
"Making promises they can't keep is a futile gesture."
From Latin *fūtilis* meaning 'leaky, worthless, easily broken.'
Used since the 14th century, often in religious and philosophical contexts to describe the vanity of earthly pursuits.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fuel tile' that won't ignite. It's futile!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: fūtilis