Synonyms for
Futile
Definition
incapable of producing any useful result; pointless
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- futile attempt
- futile effort
- futile exercise
- futile gesture
- futile struggle
- futile search
- futile hope
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe actions or efforts that are unlikely to succeed. It carries a strong sense of hopelessness.
Example sentences
- The teacher told the students that trying to change the weather was a futile effort.
- He felt like his attempts to convince his picky eater daughter to eat vegetables were futile.
- I tried to fix my broken vase, but my efforts were futile.
- The company's attempt to launch a new product turned out to be futile.
- He continued to argue with his stubborn friend, despite knowing it was a futile endeavor.
Quotes
'Futile' is a word invented by people who are too afraid to admit that they're doing something pointless. - Bo Burnham
You can't be any more selfless than to offer up your flesh and blood for someone. It's futile to try to explain it. It just is. - Jonathan Tropper
The pursuit of perfection is frustrating and a waste of time because nothing is ever perfect. It's futile. - Kim Kimble