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Definition of futile

futile

/ˈfjuː.taɪl/
fu · tile
Adverb:futilely
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futile Lexical Profile

futile Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless or ineffectual.

Example

"The hikers made a futile attempt to pitch their tent in the middle of the gale-force wind."

2

Lacking weight, seriousness, or importance; frivolous or trivial.

Example

"He refused to waste his afternoon arguing over such futile matters."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for futile

• Nearby Words

fussiness
fusspot
fussy
futile
futilely
futility
futon

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Middle French futile or directly from Latin futilis, meaning 'pouring out easily, leaky, or untrustworthy,' and figuratively 'vain or worthless,' from a root related to fundere ('to pour').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Futile. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/futile
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