avail

²avail

noun \ə-ˈvāl\

Definition of AVAIL

: advantage toward attainment of a goal or purpose : use <effort was of little avail>

Examples of AVAIL

1. <although I appreciate the concern, your help would be of little avail in this situation>
2. It seemed to be the national dish, as it appeared on every menu. It is a spicy pork or veal stew with tomatoes and onions and a little sour cream on top. It was fabulous, and I'm dying to get the recipe. I've spent hours looking for it on the internet to no avail. —Linda Walker, Cook's Country, June 1995
3. In the 14th century the porcelain from China made its way westward along trade routes to Europe's rich and royal. The artisans of Europe tried to duplicate the Chinese formula and process, but to no avail. —Hattie Clark, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 1987

Origin of AVAIL

(see ¹avail)

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to AVAIL

Synonyms: account, use, mileage, service, serviceability, serviceableness, usefulness, utility

Antonyms: uselessness, worthlessness

Related Words: advantage, benefit, gain; aid, assistance, help; applicability, appropriateness, fitness, relevance; profit, value, worth

Near Antonyms: inapplicability, inappropriateness

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