287 Another Word for Futile? - Futile Synonyms & Antonyms

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Meaning of futile

The primary meaning of the word "futile" is having no purpose or effect.

Etymology of futile

The word "futile" comes from the Latin word "futilis," which is derived from "fusus," meaning "melted" or "wasted," and the suffix "-ilis," which forms an adjective indicating capability or fitness.
Historically, the word "futile" has been used to describe something that is useless, ineffective, or unproductive, often due to a lack of strength, power, or purpose.

Synonyms

useless ineffective ineffectual unproductive fruitless vain pointless hopeless aimless purposeless unavailing unsuccessful abortive barren sterile unprofitable worthless hollow empty meaningless insignificant inconsequential trivial nugatory otiose idle frivolous trifling frivolous bootless profitless gainless unfruitful unsuccessful unsuccessful inept incompetent incapable impotent weak feeble powerless helpless ineffectual unproductive idle inactive dormant inert stagnant lifeless listless apathetic lethargic sluggish torpid unenergetic lackluster uninspiring unenthusiastic uninteresting dull monotonous tedious wearisome tiresome irksome annoying vexing frustrating disheartening discouraging dispiriting depressing dismal gloomy bleak cheerless hopeless despairing desperate despondent forlorn forsaken abandoned neglected ignored dismissed rejected spurned scorned despised detested abhorred loathed hated execrated odious vile detestable contemptible despicable reprehensible censurable blameworthy culpable guilty criminal reprehensible objectionable disagreeable unpleasant unpalatable distasteful unappealing uninviting unwelcome undesirable unsatisfactory unacceptable intolerable insufferable insupportable unbearable unendurable insidious pernicious noxious deleterious harmful hurtful damaging destructive calamitous disastrous catastrophic ruinous devastating annihilative exterminative eradication extermination elimination

Definitions

Having no purpose or effect
Incapable of producing any useful result
Lacking in effectiveness or strength

Usage Examples

The attempt to repair the broken machine was futile, as it was beyond repair.
The team's efforts to score a goal were futile, as the opposing team's defense was too strong.
She felt that her attempts to convince him were futile, as he had already made up his mind.

Antonyms

effective successful productive useful beneficial valuable worthwhile purposeful meaningful significant consequential important substantial worthwhile profitable gainful fruitful rewarding satisfying gratifying pleasurable enjoyable delightful pleasant agreeable acceptable tolerable satisfactory sufficient adequate competent capable powerful potent strong vigorous energetic lively active dynamic forceful compelling persuasive convincing persuasive influential authoritative dominant controlling commanding directing guiding leading masterful skillful adept proficient expert masterly efficient skillful adept resourceful ingenious clever brilliant exceptional outstanding remarkable notable distinguished illustrious celebrated renowned famous esteemed respected admired liked loved cherished treasured prized valued appreciated welcomed desired wanted needed required necessary essential vital crucial indispensable imperative urgent necessary