futile

futile

adjective

Definition of FUTILE

1

producing no results <the prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile>

Synonyms abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain

Related Words hollow, idle, meaningless, pointless, valueless, worthless; hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable; inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting; counterproductive

Phrases in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail

Near Antonyms meaningful, worthwhile; adequate, sufficient; applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable (also useable), workable

Antonyms deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous

2

lacking in seriousness or maturity <the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities>

Synonyms birdbrained, ditzy (or ditsy), dizzy, featherbrained, flighty, frivolous, frothy, futile, goofy, harebrained, light-headed, light-minded, puerile, scatterbrained, silly, yeasty

Related Words fatuous, foolish, inane, nonsensical, thoughtless, witless; crazy, daffy, daft, fruity; exuberant, flippant, fluttery, giggly, happy, light, lighthearted, playful; sappy, shallow, superficial

Near Antonyms grave, melancholy, somber (or sombre), thoughtful; dignified, heavy, no-nonsense, sedate, severe, solemn, staid

Antonyms earnest, serious, serious-minded, sober, unfrivolous