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
Bad leaders seek to create an image of total dominance and absolute futility in opposing them.
—
Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
The Kings eclipsed a franchise record for futility that was previously held by the Cincinnati Royals, who lost 14 in a row in 1959-60 and 1971-72.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
As the memory of eight races, four years and whatever other numbers that people used to reduce a lifetime of achievement into a dollop of futility finally, emphatically, disappeared – Shiffrin stood motionless.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Columbus blanked the Blackhawks on their two power-play chances, running their string of futility to 26 man-advantages and 10 games without a goal.
—CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for futility
Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
The Kings eclipsed a franchise record for futility that was previously held by the Cincinnati Royals, who lost 14 in a row in 1959-60 and 1971-72.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
As the memory of eight races, four years and whatever other numbers that people used to reduce a lifetime of achievement into a dollop of futility finally, emphatically, disappeared – Shiffrin stood motionless.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Columbus blanked the Blackhawks on their two power-play chances, running their string of futility to 26 man-advantages and 10 games without a goal.
—CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for futility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futility
Noun
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The fear of uselessness explains why the banker Eric Tao (Ken Leung) leaves a cushy retirement to get back to finance, even at the cost of neglecting his kids.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
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Holding back tears, Marta called out the uselessness of comparing this season to last year’s championship run.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Johnson said depression often manifests as persistent negative self-perception, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness and social withdrawal.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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If your friend or family member is struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities, constantly ruminating about relationship issues, or expressing a sense of hopelessness, consider bringing it up, says Francesca Emma, a therapist in New York.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And maybe Christian Braun and Cam Johnson, cast in proper roles, will figure it out after experiencing underwhelming seasons because of injuries and ineffectiveness.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
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Some can be tucked away in Triple-A, at the ready to be called up due to inevitable injury or ineffectiveness.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The impunity of the powerful was measured by the inefficacy of the outraged.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2026
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When on day five of his mayoralty Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the inefficacy of homeless sweeps and avowed to end them, street homeless adults, advocates, and attorneys rejoiced.—
Deborah Berkman,
New York Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
Noun
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But one series with four minutes remaining highlighted the fruitlessness of this effort.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The title refers to canines that are awaiting deployment, undergoing medical evaluation, being reviewed for deficiencies or leaving the service.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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Many weed problems begin because lawn grasses are stressed due to nutrient deficiencies.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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