futile
adjective
incapable of producing any result; ineffective; useless; not successful.
futilely
-
a word derived from
futile.
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.
Ondro likens his guilt-racked migrations to the story of Jonah, who tried futilely to run from God’s message to him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 26, 2026
Teammates have tried futilely to beat James to the arena or the practice facility in the morning and can never seem to arrive early enough.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 14, 2026
Fall River is one of those northern post-industrial cities that’s been futilely trying to reverse decline for decades, first by bulldozing historic neighborhoods to build highways, and now by constructing breweries and farmer’s markets.
From Salon ● Dec. 24, 2025
Some scampered futilely on the treadmill as they did so, but others remained still.
From Science Magazine ● Nov. 1, 2023
He dropped to his own knees at the side of the pit and reached out a hand futilely.
From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins
