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 So at least that’s one record for offensive futility that didn’t get set. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Worse yet, that futility led to captain and Detroit native Dylan Larkin asking for a trade. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 England, given the potential of ending the 60 years of futility, was a sentimental favorite to emerge from the final four powers at this World Cup, which also included Argentina (who last won in 2022), France (2018) and Spain (2010). — Sean Gregory, Time, 15 July 2026 The university office administrator who endeavors to decorate her space despite the seeming futility of coming to work at all. — Literary Hub, 14 July 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
  • The goal isn't to restrict agents into uselessness.
    — Ajay Pundhir, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Definition of uselessness
Noun
  • With the current political climate, Love sees the hopelessness in the world and took it upon herself to create room for people to be a part of a community that desires to curate a safe space.
    — Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Surveys indicate that young women are experiencing their highest rates of hopelessness on record.
    — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
Definition of hopelessness
Noun
  • But Messi’s lack of influence owed less to his own ineffectiveness than to Spain’s dominance, which starved him of the ball, leaving him to feed off scraps.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • The commission has been plagued by partisan infighting and ineffectiveness, as well as chronic vacancies and a lack of funding.
    — Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 10 July 2026
Definition of ineffectiveness
Noun
  • The impunity of the powerful was measured by the inefficacy of the outraged.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Definition of inefficacy
Noun
  • 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
  • Severe deficiency is uncommon, but nutrition experts say chronically low intake can signal a dietary gap worth addressing.
    — Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 31 July 2026
  • Mertens regularly monitors Tunsil’s electrolytes and checks for nutrient deficiencies through bloodwork and DEXA scans that measure his body mass and bone density.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of deficiency

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futility
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Cite this Entry

“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on futility

Nglish: Translation of futility for Spanish Speakers

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