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.

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

So many of these shows focus on the futility or grim determination or flawed goofiness of a few individuals set against the massive implacable nightmare of giant institutions. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 May 2025

Coming off consecutive 100-loss seasons, Colorado is on an early pace to surpass the futility of the 2024 White Sox, who set a modern-era record with 121 losses. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025

Both South Carolina and Missouri are in jeopardy of setting a new record for futility. —Mitch Light, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Now, Japan is realizing the futility of doing business with Trump 2.0. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

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