WordDream · Your AI dictionary

futile

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "futile": The word "futile" describes an action or attempt that is completely ineffective, producing no useful

What does "futile" mean?

The word "futile" describes an action or attempt that is completely ineffective, producing no useful result despite the effort put into it. The mental image is that of a person trying to fill a bucket that has a massive hole in the bottom; no matter how much water is poured, the goal remains impossible to reach. It is a formal adjective often used to express a sense of hopelessness or wasted energy. You will frequently see it paired with nouns like "attempt," "effort," or "gesture," especially in contexts where someone is trying to change an outcome that is already determined or beyond their control.

"futile" in conversation

Planning a trip

Should we try to get tickets to the sold-out show at the door?

Should we try to get tickets to the sold-out show at the door?

It would be a futile effort; they sold out weeks ago.

It would be a futile effort; they sold out weeks ago.

Used to discourage someone from attempting a task with no chance of success.

Fixing a broken device

The motherboard is completely fried.

The motherboard is completely fried.

So, is it futile to try and recover the data?

So, is it futile to try and recover the data?

I'm afraid so, nothing left to save.

I'm afraid so, nothing left to save.

Used to ask if a specific action will be a waste of time.

"futile" in a sentence

  1. He made a futile attempt to explain his side of the story.

    He made a futile attempt to explain his side of the story.

  2. Resistance is futile, so you might as well cooperate.

    Resistance is futile, so you might as well cooperate.

  3. It was a futile gesture, but it made her feel slightly better to try.

    It was a futile gesture, but it made her feel slightly better to try.

Not another dictionary

An AI-native multilingual dictionary: decode the words other dictionaries can't handle.

WordDream explains every word the way a teacher would, with real-life scenes, graded examples, audio and a picture. It also covers what traditional dictionaries miss: names, places, proper nouns, internet slang, and words that don't translate.

And it isn't just English. Look up words in any language, keep a multilingual Notebook, and turn your saved words into stories with Spin a yarn.

Try WordDream: Look up a wordOpen “futile” in WordDream

Free account · sign in to use features

More everyday & curious words

Browse the whole set in Everyday & Curious Words.

Explained by WordDream, an AI-native multilingual dictionary.