FUTILITY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

futility

noun

Definition of futility

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.

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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 By becoming the fifth MLB franchise to lose 100 or more games four seasons in a row, the Rockies are part of a historically inept collection of misfit teams who defined extended futility in the majors. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026 Here’s a way to frame the display of futility that the Falcons treated their fans to Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026 The 59 points allowed set a new Panthers record for futility, eclipsing the 52 points given up twice before. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2026 Ballmer’s acquisition of the team in 2014 was seen as a major step toward ending its years-long record of futility, dating to its origin as the Buffalo Braves in 1970. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for futility

Recent Examples of Synonyms for futility

Noun

Instead, its central duo define themselves by their utter and unapologetic uselessness.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
The goal isn't to restrict agents into uselessness.

— Ajay Pundhir, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Definition of uselessness

Noun

In that sense, the dead-end setting of their journey across a volatile landscape in which humans might be an afterthought seems to reflect their hopelessness.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
What could that dirt road and the horizon beyond it mean—hope or hopelessness?

— Hilton Als, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of hopelessness

Noun

What readers are saying The comments express strong opposition to capital punishment, particularly highlighting the botched execution of Christa Pike as an example of its cruelty and ineffectiveness.

— Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
However, September continued to showcase the club’s ineffectiveness at the plate.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of ineffectiveness

Noun

Columnist Tom Philp argued that her situation demonstrated the inefficacy of California’s mental health and CARE Court system, which cannot force participants into treatment.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
The impunity of the powerful was measured by the inefficacy of the outraged.

— Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026

Definition of inefficacy

Noun

In fact, Mike’s frustration at his own ineffectuality seems to be what’s at least partly destroying his public image.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Caroline’s anguish and her ineffectuality at making progress in finding Gabriel make for some frustrating moments as a reader.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Definition of ineffectuality

Noun

While it was designed to bring nationwide uniformity and stability to college athletics, its deficiencies are manifold.

— Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Commissioner John King's office previously said the March inspection found no violations, deficiencies or red tags.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

futile

futility

futon

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Style

“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futility. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of futility

noun

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