as in uselessness
the quality or state of being useless
The two engaged in a long discussion on the futility of war. He felt saddened by the apparent futility of his efforts to console her.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of futility
The Cubs are stuck in a maddening loop of offensive futility.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
During years of futility, fans have wept collectively both figuratively and literally.
—
Shaheem Reid,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Yes, those same White Sox that lost 324 games over the last three years, including a record 121 in 2024 that surpassed the modern era futility of the ’62 Mets, are suddenly and most unexpectedly looking like legitimate candidates for the postseason.
—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2026
For the next 130 years, Smith won one CIAA conference title, in 1969, and was generally a poster child for football futility.
—
Langston Wertz Jr,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for futility
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
During years of futility, fans have wept collectively both figuratively and literally.
—
Shaheem Reid,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Yes, those same White Sox that lost 324 games over the last three years, including a record 121 in 2024 that surpassed the modern era futility of the ’62 Mets, are suddenly and most unexpectedly looking like legitimate candidates for the postseason.
—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2026
For the next 130 years, Smith won one CIAA conference title, in 1969, and was generally a poster child for football futility.
—
Langston Wertz Jr,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for futility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futility
Noun
-
The goal isn't to restrict agents into uselessness.
-
The fear of uselessness explains why the banker Eric Tao (Ken Leung) leaves a cushy retirement to get back to finance, even at the cost of neglecting his kids.
Noun
-
But where some might see hopelessness, Ortiz sees an opportunity for connection.
-
And when young people feel disconnected or believe systems are unresponsive to their daily experiences, that disconnection can deepen isolation and hopelessness.
Noun
-
Nwodim pointed out that O’Connell has firsthand experience of their ineffectiveness.
-
See and assess your teams’ repetitive tasks, ineffectiveness and common delays.
Noun
-
The impunity of the powerful was measured by the inefficacy of the outraged.
-
When on day five of his mayoralty Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the inefficacy of homeless sweeps and avowed to end them, street homeless adults, advocates, and attorneys rejoiced.
Noun
-
Caroline’s anguish and her ineffectuality at making progress in finding Gabriel make for some frustrating moments as a reader.
Noun
-
But one series with four minutes remaining highlighted the fruitlessness of this effort.
Noun
-
The Lakers spent the first days of free agency addressing their shooting deficiencies.
-
Interveinal chlorosis and yellowing in new leaves can indicate an iron deficiency.
Cite this Entry
“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
