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
However, this resolution does nothing to assuage the sense of futility and waste.
—
Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025
When nurses stay silent, whether from fear, futility or institutional pressure, violence becomes an accepted part of the job.
—Jason Blomquist, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Ferguson’s loss to Chiesa broke another legend, BJ Penn’s, record for consecutive futility.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But unlike peers such as Jack Nicholson, who embodied the era’s rebellious, searching spirit, Hackman often played men who tried to work within the system, discovering the futility of such a stance.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for futility
Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025
When nurses stay silent, whether from fear, futility or institutional pressure, violence becomes an accepted part of the job.
—Jason Blomquist, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Ferguson’s loss to Chiesa broke another legend, BJ Penn’s, record for consecutive futility.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But unlike peers such as Jack Nicholson, who embodied the era’s rebellious, searching spirit, Hackman often played men who tried to work within the system, discovering the futility of such a stance.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 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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However, there are differences in risk factors and potential vitamin deficiencies.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
25 Apr. 2025
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Sleep deficiency can increase the risk of chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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