futilitarian

American  

[fyoo-til-i-tair-ee-uhn] / fyuˌtɪl ɪˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

1. believing that human hopes are vain, and human strivings unjustified.

---

noun

1. a person who holds this belief.

futilitarian British  

/ fjuːˌtɪlɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the belief that human endeavour can serve no useful purpose

---

noun

1. one who holds this belief

Other Word Forms

• futilitarianism noun

Etymology

Origin of futilitarian

1820–30; humorous blend of futile and utilitarian

Example Sentences

In economic matters, Thomas embraces what Robin calls a futilitarian argument — that white supremacy is so entrenched, it is not worthwhile fighting it through law — as he seems to do in a 2015 dissent rejecting “disparate impact,” a theory that even facially neutral state policies may discriminate based on race.

From Washington Post

My voyeurism has contributed immensely to my becoming a futilitarian, and I hate this conditioning of my soul. . . .

From The New Yorker

That he should have a gift of coining striking words naturally follows: in his later years he has fallen into his "anecdotage," a certain Socialist is the greatest "futilitarian" of them all, "femininies"—and so on infinitely.

From Project Gutenberg

Veracity would be a disqualification; if they confined themselves to facts they would not get a hearing. * * * is the nastiest futilitarian of the gang.

From Project Gutenberg

Fulton J. Sheen and Niebuhr of being "futilitarian gadflies."

From Time Magazine Archive