futility

[fyoo-til-i-tee]

noun

plural

futilities 

1. the quality of being futile; ineffectiveness; uselessness.

2. a trifle or frivolity.

   the large collection of futilities that clutter our minds.

3. a futile act or event.

futility

/ fjuːˈtɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of effectiveness or success

2. lack of purpose or meaning

3. something futile

Word History and Origins

Origin of futility¹

From the Latin word fūtilitās, dating back to 1615–25. See futile, -ity

Example Sentences

But time and again, you’re met with feelings of futility and frustration.

From Salon

At the junction of Olympic Boulevard and Western Avenue in Koreatown, a search for both shade and quiet was an exercise in futility.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsrooms being breeding grounds for gallows humor, most also understand that futility is a terrific comedy catalyst.

From Salon

That said, there’s a lengthy enough record of futility to suggest more is at work than the changeable mood of a fickle electorate.

From Los Angeles Times

The stadium is packed out year after year, the money keeps rolling in and the Cowboys remain the centre of attention - but on the field futility reigns.

From BBC

Related Words

• emptiness 
• ineffectiveness www.thesaurus.com