Search Dictionary
Definition of futility

futility

/fjuːˈtɪl.ə.ti/
fu · til · i · ty
Adverb:futilely
•
Plural:futilities
•
Adjective:futile
JUMP TO:

futility Lexical Profile

futility Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being completely ineffective, useless, or incapable of producing any desired result.

Example

"After hours of trying to repair the damaged engine, the mechanic finally accepted the futility of his efforts."

2

A useless, pointless, or trivial action, remark, or event.

Example

"The committee wasted the entire afternoon debating minor procedural futilities instead of addressing the core budget crisis."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for futility
Antonyms
View all antonyms for futility

• Rhymes for futility

• Nearby Words

fussy
futile
futilely
futility
futon
future
futureless

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French 'futilité' or directly from Latin 'fūtilitās', derived from 'fūtilis' (literally meaning 'leaky' or 'pouring out easily', and figuratively 'vain' or 'worthless').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Futility. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/futility
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.