as in uselessness
the quality or state of being useless
The two engaged in a long discussion on the futility of war. He felt saddened by the apparent futility of his efforts to console her.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of futility
Ferguson’s loss to Chiesa broke another legend, BJ Penn’s, record for consecutive futility.
—
Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The big picture: Last year, the team set major league records for futility while fans wore paper bags over their heads and largely stayed away from the ballpark.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
Director Dave Mullins uses the music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono to comment on the futility of World War I.
—Jeremy Fassler, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025
It’s been a far cry from the futility of Chiefs fans in the decades prior, going without a playoff win from 1994 to 2014.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for futility
Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The big picture: Last year, the team set major league records for futility while fans wore paper bags over their heads and largely stayed away from the ballpark.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
Director Dave Mullins uses the music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono to comment on the futility of World War I.
—Jeremy Fassler, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025
It’s been a far cry from the futility of Chiefs fans in the decades prior, going without a playoff win from 1994 to 2014.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for futility
Cite this Entry
“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share