At times, you might get stuck when working on a project but maneuver and achieve the desired outcome. However, there are other times when you’ll plan something and not succeed or get any result. Such situations are well described with the word “futile.” Read on to learn more about futile definition and meaning.
“Futile” means “something that does not have meaning.” Or “working on a project that does not yield any results.” The word mostly applies when the project someone is working on is unsuccessful and seems like it will not yield any outcome. The results of “futile” are always negative.
Before you start using the word “futile,” note that it has more than one meaning. Therefore, it is important to learn how to use the various definitions in a sentence. That will give you the confidence to use the word without making a mistake. Let’s now learn more about this word.
What Is The Definition of Futile?
The word “futile” is defined as “pointless,” “ineffective,” or “trifling.” You can use this word when describing something that lacks vigor or purpose. It can also be used when something is ineffective or inept.
The word defines something that falls completely out of the desired end and cannot give any desired results. You can also use “futile” to describe something that does not have a strong connotation or intrinsic inefficiency or to describe a project that someone has put in too much effort and yet has not produced the desired outcome. Any project that is pointless to have.
If you have done your research on how to work on something and put in your time and effort and still not get the desired outcome, then that is something “futile.” This is when something designed to give you the desired results turns out useless or of no avail.
Example sentences:
- Ken’s efforts to help her sister recover from drug addiction were futile.
- Ivan claimed that the workers in the hospital were not cooperative, and his efforts to get treated were futile.
What Is The Meaning of Futile?
The word “futile” also means” something impossible to achieve” or “something not important. Use this word to describe someone doing something that seems impossible to attain or something that will not give them the outcome they want.
Some situations in life can push us to do something or get involved in something that we know cannot yield results. But due to the situation or someone’s wish to attain the best results, they keep on pushing. When someone does such a thing, it is said that their project or effort is “futile.”
Example sentences:
- Leon knew that running after a train that had started going was futile, but he still did it.
- Everything Simon did to woo Tabitha was futile, and that is why he has asked his mother for help.
- She wanted to impress the guests, but her attempt to make honey-glazed chicken was futile.
Antonyms and Synonyms of the Word Futile
Learning a new word is great, but it can sometimes be challenging to remember it. Even if you do, writing the same word in your conversations, stories, emails, or research can be boring. That is why when you learn a new word; you should also take the time to learn the synonyms and antonyms to understand the word better and how to use it. Here we go!
Synonyms of Futile and Their Meaning
- Useless: Something that is ineffectual, inefficacious, or worthless
- Fruitless: Vain and pointless
- Impotent: Something that is idle, sterile, or empty
- Unsuccessful: Something that is thwarted or failed
- Hopeless: Something that is lost or doomed
- Vain: Effecting no purpose
- Used: That has been previously owned by someone else
- Impractical: Something that does not make sense
- Unsuccessful: Having an unfavorable outcome
- In vain: To no purpose
Antonyms of Futile and Their Meaning
- Effective: Successful in producing a desired outcome
- Effectual: Valid or binding
- Fruitful: Something that produces good and effective results
- Efficacious: Successful in producing the desired results
- Productive: Able to produce a large number of good crops
- Efficient: Working in well-organized and competent ways
- Potent: Having great power, influence, or effect
- Profitable: Beneficial and useful
- Successful: Accomplishing a desired aim or result
Words that Rhyme With Futile
Rhyming words are two or more words that have the same sounds. However, having words with the same sound does not mean that they have the same meaning. Rhyming words are mostly used in poems, songs, and other literature. For example, here is a look at the words that sound like “futile.”
- Brutal
- Butyl
- Tootle
Is Futile A Negative Word?
In English, some words are positive, and others are negative. A positive word expresses agreement and acceptance. On the other hand, negative words express disagreement or refusal. The word “futile” is negative as it means not productive.
How to Use Futile In a Sentence?
When writing a word in a sentence, it is important to understand the best way to use it. For example, when using futile in a sentence, it is important to use it as an adjective. However, you also need to remember that futile is a negative word.
Family Words of Futile
Learning the words in the same family as “futile” helps you better understand the word and use it in various parts of speeches. The main aim of learning vocabulary is to know how to use it in various sentences. One of the ways to do this is by learning the family words. They include:
1. Futilely (adverb): Futilely means in an unproductive manner.
Example sentences:
- We watched in pain as the tears in the eyes of the windowed woman flowed futilely.
- His lawyer tried futilely to ask him about the crime he was accused of.
2. Futileness (adjective): Futileness means producing no results or effect or pointlessness.
Example sentences:
- Though he has been working in the field all season, his efforts were futileness since the land is barren and will not produce.
- The futileness decision to pursue a career in engineering, yet he was poor in math, was just a waste of money.
10 Examples of Futile In a Sentence
Reading sentence examples of the word you are learning is one of the best ways to learn and understand a word. That is why you need to look at the following sentences with the word futile. Here’s the list.
- After the nightmare I had last night, my efforts to go back to sleep proved futile.
- I tried my best to please the guests, but it was futile.
- It is unfortunate how all the rescue attempts after the quorum were futile.
- It is futile to wash your compound when it is raining.
- It can be futile to sustain his life when the doctors have already declared him brain dead.
- It was strange how she fought the futile urge to scream when she saw the thieves.
- Your arguments are futile, I’ve placed your seats together in juxtaposition.
- All the efforts they had put in to save their relationship proved futile, they cant be near each other without starting to quibble.
- The training facility does not train old dogs since the training of these canines is time-consuming, expensive, and mostly futile.
- The manager was shocked that the workers made a futile attempt to strike even after he changed the policy.
- I miss you, but I know its futile to want to meet. xoxo.
- The lawmakers described the activities done by the citizens as futile.
How Do You Spell Futile?
The word “futile” is spelled as f.u.t.i.l.e.
Note that spelling a word is important, especially when writing something official. The last thing you need is to lose respect among your co-workers, clients, or any other person because you have misspelled a word. For that reason, it is vital to take the time and learn how to spell the word “futile.”
How Do You Pronounce Futile?
The word “futile” is pronounced as fyoo-tile.
Most people have a hard time pronouncing words, especially when English is not their first language. But learning the proper pronunciation of words helps you better understand the word and makes it easier for people to understand what you converse. Poor pronunciation might leave those listening to you not understanding what you are saying.
How Many Syllables Are In Futile?
The word “futile” has two syllables, fu-tile. The stressed syllable in the word futile is “fu.”
History & Etymology of Futile
The word “futile” has a long and varied history, with different origins and meanings. The first known use of the word was in the early 1500s, and it was derived from the Latin word “futilis,” meaning “of no use.” This root is also responsible for “futility” and “futile.”
The word “futile” was first used to describe objects or actions that were of no use or had no value. Over time, the word began to be used more generally to describe anything useless or insignificant. Today, the word is often used to describe pointless or fruitless things.
When Was Futile First Used?
The first time the word “futile” was used was in 1555.
Conclusion
The word “futile” is used when there’s no useful outcome. With the word’s numerous meanings, it is best to understand the various definitions and how to use the word in a sentence. When you fully understand the word, use it in your conversations often to perfect your understanding.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.