futility

noun

Definition of futilitynext
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of futility By becoming the fifth MLB franchise to lose 100 or more games four seasons in a row, the Rockies are part of a historically inept collection of misfit teams who defined extended futility in the majors. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026 Here’s a way to frame the display of futility that the Falcons treated their fans to Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026 The 59 points allowed set a new Panthers record for futility, eclipsing the 52 points given up twice before. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2026 Ballmer’s acquisition of the team in 2014 was seen as a major step toward ending its years-long record of futility, dating to its origin as the Buffalo Braves in 1970. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for futility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futility
  1. uselessness
  2. hopelessness
  3. ineffectiveness
  4. inefficacy
  5. ineffectuality
  6. fruitlessness
  7. deficiency
Noun
  • Instead, its central duo define themselves by their utter and unapologetic uselessness.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The goal isn't to restrict agents into uselessness.
    — Ajay Pundhir, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of uselessness
Noun
  • Few residents wanted to speak about politics, citing a general feeling of hopelessness and frustration.
    — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Burdick seemed to have drawn directly from McCarthy’s experience, the hopelessness of fighting with his father over a world his father had already ruined, the surrender to indulgence and mindless violence because…why not?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of hopelessness
Noun
  • What readers are saying The comments express strong opposition to capital punishment, particularly highlighting the botched execution of Christa Pike as an example of its cruelty and ineffectiveness.
    — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, September continued to showcase the club’s ineffectiveness at the plate.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of ineffectiveness
Noun
  • Columnist Tom Philp argued that her situation demonstrated the inefficacy of California’s mental health and CARE Court system, which cannot force participants into treatment.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The impunity of the powerful was measured by the inefficacy of the outraged.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of inefficacy
Noun
  • In fact, Mike’s frustration at his own ineffectuality seems to be what’s at least partly destroying his public image.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Caroline’s anguish and her ineffectuality at making progress in finding Gabriel make for some frustrating moments as a reader.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Definition of ineffectuality
Noun
  • But one series with four minutes remaining highlighted the fruitlessness of this effort.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of fruitlessness
Noun
  • The coaster’s most recent inspection, on March 16, reported no violations, deficiencies, citations or red tags, according to King.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Other diseases that cause similar symptoms and findings include lupus, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and less common conditions like neuromyelitis optica and MOG antibody disease.
    — Lindsay Karp, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

futile
futility
futon
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Cite this Entry

“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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