adj.
Pronunciation: ' fyü-t ə l, ' fyü- ˌ t ī (- ə )l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin futilis brittle, pointless, probably from fu- (akin to fundere to pour) ― more at FOUND
Date: circa 1555
1 : serving no useful purpose : completely ineffective <efforts to convince him were futile >
2 : occupied with trifles : FRIVOLOUS
– fu · tile · ly \ -t ə l-(l) ē , - ˌ t ī (- ə )l-l ē \ adverb
– fu · tile · ness \ -t ə l-n ə s, - ˌ t ī (- ə )l-n ə s \ noun
synonyms FUTILE , VAIN , FRUITLESS mean producing no result. FUTILE may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking <resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left>. VAIN usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result <a vain attempt to get the car started>. FRUITLESS comes close to VAIN but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment < fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace>.