Main Entry: fu·tile

Pronunciation: \ˈfyü-t^əl, ˈfyü-ˌtī(-ə)l\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin futilis brittle, pointless, probably from fu- (akin to fundere to pour) — more at found

Date: circa 1555

1 : serving no useful purpose : completely ineffective <efforts to convince him were futile>
2 : occupied with trifles : frivolous

— fu·tile·ly \-t^əl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb

— fu·tile·ness \-t^əl-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs\ noun

synonyms futile, vain, fruitless mean producing no result. futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking <resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left>. vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result <a vain attempt to get the car started>. fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment <fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace>.