Want to say to no purpose differently? Here are other words for to no purpose and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of to no purpose
The phrase "to no purpose" primarily means doing something that has no useful or practical result.
Etymology of to no purpose
The phrase "to no purpose" has its roots in Old English and Middle English, where "purpose" originated from the Old French "purpos," meaning intention or objective.
Historically, the phrase has been used to convey a sense of futility or lack of achievement in various contexts, including literature, philosophy, and everyday conversation.
Synonyms
uselessly
futilely
pointlessly
vainly
idly
frivolously
aimlessly
needlessly
groundlessly
emptily
hollowly
unproductively
inefficaciously
ineffectually
unavailingly
fruitlessly
bootlessly
profitlessly
helplessly
hopelessly
aimlessly
wanderingly
driftingly
purposelessly
meaningless
insignificantly
trivially
nonsensically
absurdly
Definitions
- According to Oxford Languages, "to no purpose" is defined as to no avail, or without achieving anything.
- * It can also imply that an action or effort is pointless, useless, or without a practical outcome.
Usage Examples
- We tried to fix the broken machine to no purpose, as it was beyond repair.
- * She worked hard, but to no purpose, as her efforts were not recognized.
- * They searched for the lost city to no purpose, as it was never found.