as in futile
producing no results
an unavailing effort to avert a war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unavailing
On Saturday, Durant reaffirmed his stance that the question of his and other superstars’ effort was an unavailing narrative to explore every February.
—
Devon Henderson, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The position advanced by the states is legally unavailing as a matter of longstanding and well-established law.
—WSJ, 25 July 2018
Efforts to aid him with lifeboats, three of which were ineffectually trying to breast the heavy sea, were unavailing, while a lifeline, held by a number of rescuers, was carried far out into the surf by a number of swimmers.
—sandiegouniontribune.com, 6 May 2018
Devon Henderson, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The position advanced by the states is legally unavailing as a matter of longstanding and well-established law.
—WSJ, 25 July 2018
Efforts to aid him with lifeboats, three of which were ineffectually trying to breast the heavy sea, were unavailing, while a lifeline, held by a number of rescuers, was carried far out into the surf by a number of swimmers.
—sandiegouniontribune.com, 6 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unavailing
Adjective
-
Even with the spotlight, Méndez said the debate feels futile.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Even subtle futile cycles – processes in which molecules are repeatedly built and broken down – consume energy and generate heat.—
Claudio Villanueva,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Such a vote — which is bound to fail but would put senators on the record — differs from using a simple majority to change the Senate rules, a vote a senator could force after an unsuccessful vote to break a filibuster.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
19 Mar. 2026
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After numerous rounds of antibiotics were unsuccessful, a decision was made to euthanize her, according to the zoo.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The inscription would have sent enemies quite an impression as it was burned into the stone with molten lead, as if daring the attackers to continue their useless advance, Live Science continues.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Electronics were useless to her.—
Alex Morris,
Rolling Stone,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unavailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unavailing. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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