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
Not bad, considering the team is coming off setting a modern record for futility and has an atrophied season ticket base.
—
Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
Ferguson’s loss to Chiesa broke another legend, BJ Penn’s, record for consecutive futility.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Mar. 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
When nurses stay silent, whether from fear, futility or institutional pressure, violence becomes an accepted part of the job.
—Jason Blomquist, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for futility
Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
Ferguson’s loss to Chiesa broke another legend, BJ Penn’s, record for consecutive futility.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Mar. 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
When nurses stay silent, whether from fear, futility or institutional pressure, violence becomes an accepted part of the job.
—Jason Blomquist, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 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 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share