futility

noun

fu·​til·​i·​ty fyü-ˈti-lə-tē 

plural futilities

1

: the quality or state of being futile : uselessness

His speech focused on the futility of violence.

Trying to find the cause is an exercise in futility.

2

: a useless act or gesture

… the futilities of debate for its own sake …

—W. A. White

Examples of futility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These Ducks, who also made significant roster investments, are now running neck-and-neck with the abject futility of even the Dallas Eakins era. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026

But the Bulls also can’t win with his current rim protection — a futility that hangs over the veteran in every game. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

Perhaps the fire had been a sign, the universe trying to teach me about the impermanence of objects and the futility of collecting. —Kenneth Turan, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026

In 2025, without Puig, the only records the Galaxy set were for futility, starting the season winless in their first 16 league matches and finishing with just seven wins, a franchise low for a full season. —Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French and Latin; French futilité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin fūtilitāt-, fūtilitās (also futtilitāt-, futtilitās) "unprofitableness, uselessness," from fūtilis, futtilis "brittle, fragile (of containers), serving no purpose, pointless" + -itāt- -itās -ity — more at futile

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing futility

• exercise in futility

Rhymes for futility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• gentility
• hostility
• humility

Kids Definition

futility

noun

fu·​til·​i·​ty ˌfyu̇-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural futilities

1

: the quality or state of being futile

2

: a useless act