transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈfyü-t ə l, ˈfyü-ˌtī(-ə)l ]
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, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē adverb
• fu·tile·ness -t ə l-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs 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