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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

Newsrooms being breeding grounds for gallows humor, most also understand that futility is a terrific comedy catalyst.

From Salon

That said, there’s a lengthy enough record of futility to suggest more is at work than the changeable mood of a fickle electorate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• emptiness 
• ineffectiveness www.thesaurus.com