futility

American  

[fyoo-til-i-tee] / fyuˈtɪl ɪ ti /

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.

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futility British  

/ fjuːˈtɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of effectiveness or success

2. lack of purpose or meaning

3. something futile

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Etymology

Origin of futility

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

Example Sentences

Meanwhile. the Indiana Pacers matched a franchise record for futility with their 12th straight defeat, falling 135-127 to the Magic in Orlando.

From Barron's

For many in Rarotonga, there is a sense of futility when it comes to U.S.-China competition and deep-sea mining, even though technically the islands haven’t yet formally legalized mining.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bowden’s suggestion that unhappy Pirates fans exhausted by the perennial futility try the Dodgers did not go over well in Pittsburgh.

From Los Angeles Times

Boise State extended its recent futility against Power Four teams, dropping its 10th consecutive game.

From Los Angeles Times

And as “After the Hunt” assesses the futility of so-called cancel culture, the film carefully avoids assigning guilt, reminding the viewer that there is still plenty of gray area between good and bad.

From Salon

Related Words

• emptiness
• ineffectiveness