Synonyms of futility

futility

noun

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

• uselessness
• hopelessness
• ineffectiveness
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• fruitlessness
• ineffectualness
• deficiency
• failure
• pointlessness
• vanity
• unprofitableness
• unprofitability
• inadequacy
• meaninglessness
• emptiness
• barrenness
• inadequateness
• insufficiency
• defeat
• disappointment
• inefficaciousness
• senselessness
• setback
• bootlessness
• abortiveness
• unavailingness
• otioseness
• collapse
• letdown
• inaneness
• nonachievement
• nonsuccess
• cropper
• fizzle
• crash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• use
• usefulness
• utility
• service
• benefit
• advantage
• assistance
• account
• mileage
• gain
• avail
• aid
• success
• victory
• help
• serviceability
• serviceableness
• achievement
• accomplishment
• value
• relevance
• applicability
• appropriateness
• fitness
• worth
• profit
• win

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of futility

Overwhelmed by the futility of purchasing a home in South Pasadena, where Alexis’ family had been a longtime part of the community, the couple accepted. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025

The new rules could also impact the behavior of prospective immigrants — a group the Trump administration wants to deter from even considering the United States as a destination despite historical evidence pointing toward the futility of deterrence as an immigration policy. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025

Local sports fans are looking to flush away 2024, which set several records for futility across our franchises. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 10 Jan. 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