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futile
[ fyoot-l, fyoo-tahyl ]
/ ˈfyut l, ˈfyu taɪl /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
incapable of producing any result; ineffective; useless; not successful: Attempting to force-feed the sick horse was futile.
trifling; frivolous; unimportant.
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Origin of futile
First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin fūtilis, futtilis “easily broken, vain, worthless,” equivalent to fūt- (akin to fundere “to pour, melt”) + -ilis-ile
synonym study for futile
1. See useless.
OTHER WORDS FROM futile
fu·tile·ly, adverbfu·tile·ness, nounnon·fu·tile, adjectiveun·fu·tile, adjectiveWords nearby futile
fusuma, fut., Futabatei, Futcher's line, futhark, futile, futilitarian, futility, futon, futsal, futtock
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use futile in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for futile
futile
/ (ˈfjuːtaɪl) /
adjective
having no effective result; unsuccessful
pointless; unimportant; trifling
inane or foolishdon't be so futile!
Derived forms of futile
futilely, adverbfutileness, nounWord Origin for futile
C16: from Latin futtilis pouring out easily, worthless, from fundere to pour out
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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