Futile

/ˈfjuː.taɪl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.

All their efforts to save the project seemed futile in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Serving no useful purpose; completely ineffective.

After weeks of futile attempts to fix the car, they decided to take it to a mechanic.

Having no chance of success.

Her futile attempt to persuade him to change his mind only caused further frustration.

From Latin 'futilis', meaning 'leaky' or 'worthless'.

futile attempt:

An effort that will not succeed.

futile plea:

A request that is unlikely to lead to any action.

futile struggle:

A fight or effort that is bound to fail.

A wild goose chase

Trying to change his mind is just a wild goose chase, totally futile.

Beating a dead horse

Continuing to argue about it is just beating a dead horse; it's completely futile.