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
For months, this young, rambunctious, and altogether infectious bunch played with house money, thumbing their collective noses at the idea of another year of rebuild futility.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
The disconnect is clear in the remarks by several former band members on the futility of his equality concept.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for futility
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
The disconnect is clear in the remarks by several former band members on the futility of his equality concept.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for futility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futility
Noun
-
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
-
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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Stroud’s struggles also contributed to Kirk’s ineffectiveness.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
16 Mar. 2026
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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
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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But, then again, this has been a season largely defined by how queens’ deficiencies can become strengths.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2026
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Getting backed down by Dončić was only one piece of an embarrassing bloodbath for the Bulls that highlighted every facet of this team’s defensive deficiencies.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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