[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/futile/)

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# futile

adjective

«futile» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

Having no chance of success; useless, because it cannot change anything. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/#m1)

### In the lessons

In stories, a futile attempt or struggle shows hopelessness: «it was futile to run». In arguments and ethics, people debate whether something is futile or worth trying. Phrases: «a futile attempt», «it is futile to», «futile effort».

### Examples

- It was futile to argue with the referee. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/#x1)
- The fly made futile attempts to get through the window. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/#x2)
- Trying to stay dry in that storm was futile. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/#x3)
- Their search for the lost ring seemed futile until the dog found it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/#x4)
- Don't think practice is futile; it does help. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/#x5)
- He made a futile effort to catch the bus. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/#x6)

### Note

Adjective. Pronounced «FYOO-tile» (UK) or «FYOO-tl» (US). Noun: futility. Stronger and more formal than «useless» or «pointless».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «futile» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/futile/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«futile» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/futile.html) on Mova free.