as in uselessness
the quality or state of being useless
The two engaged in a long discussion on the futility of war. He felt saddened by the apparent futility of his efforts to console her.
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Recent Examples of futility
His favorite character is the Muskrat, a philosopher steeped in the meaninglessness and futility of existence who loves being comfortable in his solace.
—
Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Pilot Berry, who also served a combat tour in Vietnam in 1969 and ’70, is also left with sadness at the war’s futility.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
In his ruminations, Jesse comes back to the futility of his work when compared with her concrete helpfulness.
—Willing Davidson, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
While the song was played in the hopes the Mets would get the call overturned and set up a chance at tying or taking the lead, the Yankees were hoping to be told something good after a week of various futility with their pitching and defense.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for futility
Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Pilot Berry, who also served a combat tour in Vietnam in 1969 and ’70, is also left with sadness at the war’s futility.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
In his ruminations, Jesse comes back to the futility of his work when compared with her concrete helpfulness.
—Willing Davidson, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
While the song was played in the hopes the Mets would get the call overturned and set up a chance at tying or taking the lead, the Yankees were hoping to be told something good after a week of various futility with their pitching and defense.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for futility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futility
Noun
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As research highlighted the inefficacy and unintended consequences of these laws, states rolled them back or modified them, mostly by partially repealing them or reducing the severity of mandatory sentences.—
John Leverso,
The Conversation,
26 Feb. 2025
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The solution is to test AI agents thoroughly to identify any inefficacies.—
Theo Schnitfink,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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If not carefully planned, ADF may increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
11 Aug. 2025
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Wernicke-Korsakoff disease: This disease is caused by chronic alcohol use and thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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