to no avail

phrase

: without success
They tried to discuss the issue calmly, but to no avail.

Examples of to no avail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Most dramatic of all was the on-off deal for the Lyon attacker Malick Fofana, with Sage heavily involved in trying to persuade the 21-year-old to join as Palace tried to hijack his move to Sunderland, ultimately to no avail. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The manuscript then went out to another twelve presses, but to no avail. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 After going missing on the North Side of Chicago all those years ago, Antonino spent months looking for her beloved companion, ultimately to no avail. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Councilor Jennifer Sigette motioned to keep the city meeting open so everyone would have a chance to comment, to no avail. — Gabriel Brito, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for to no avail

Rhymes for to no avail

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Browse Nearby Words

tono-
to no avail
ton of refrigeration
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Cite this Entry

“To no avail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to%20no%20avail. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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