to no avail 1 or of no avail adj. phr. , formal Having no effect; useless, unsuccessful. Tom's practicing was of no avail. He was sick on the day of the game. Mary's attempts to learn embroidering were to no avail.
to no avail 2 adv. phr. , formal Without result; unsuccessfully. John tried to pull the heavy cart, but to no avail. Mary studied hard for the test but to no avail.
Compare: IN VAIN.