# futile

/ˈfjutəɫ/ (US) · /fjˈuːtaɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/futile
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. useless or doomed to fail

adjective · CEFR B2

having no chance of success; a waste of time because it will not work.

For teachers: incapable of producing a desired result; pointlessly ineffective or doomed to failure.

- It was futile to try and keep the sand out of the tent during the storm.
- The rescue team realized that further searching was futile given the deteriorating weather conditions and the lack of survival equipment.

Usage: Often follows 'it is' or 'it proved' to describe an attempt or effort.

### 2. frivolous or trivial

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

not important or not serious; silly.

For teachers: lacking in importance, substance, or seriousness; frivolous in nature.

- They spent the afternoon in futile talk about celebrities instead of working.
- The judge dismissed the case, describing the plaintiff's arguments as futile and a waste of the court's time.

Teaching tip: This sense is less common than the 'useless' sense; in modern English, 'frivolous' is usually preferred for this meaning.

## Examples

- It is futile to argue with him when he is angry.
- The rescue team realized their efforts were futile as the storm grew too dangerous to continue.
- Despite the diplomat's tireless mediation, the peace talks proved futile when both factions refused to concede even the most minor territorial points.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.