SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

to no avail

idiom

Definition of to no avail

: without success

They tried to discuss the issue calmly, but to no avail.

Word by Word Definitions

avail play

: to be of use or advantage : serve
: to produce or result in as a benefit or advantage : gain

: advantage toward attainment of a goal or purpose : use

See the full definition of avail

Learn More about to no avail

Nglish: Translation of to no avail for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up to no avail? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

bloviate

play

to speak or write verbosely and windily

Words at Play

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

alt-5ad8d3361fb97

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

alt-5ad77fad37d22

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix'?

We can thank Beetle Bailey.

alt-5ad76a1542e73

'Altho' vs. 'Although'

Altho doesn't get much love.

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz

Dictionary Devil

Dictionary Devil

The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?

Play the game