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

Written by Georgia, the song was originally about the futility of war, but it gained fresh urgency after Israel launched its military action in Gaza – an issue on which the band have been passionately outspoken.

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Their bowlers exercising plans grounded in futility as the ball disappeared to the boundary.

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These teams have combined for five losses in six games and somehow that might not fully convey their futility.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• emptiness 
• ineffectiveness www.thesaurus.com