Futilely - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Futilely means doing something in a way that is pointless or ineffective, with no chance of success. It describes actions that waste effort without achieving the desired result.
Definition:
In a manner producing no useful result; pointlessly.
Synonyms:
vainly, uselessly, fruitlessly, unsuccessfully
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
effectively, successfully, productively
Common Collocations:
struggle futilely, argue futilely, search futilely, attempt futilely
Derivatives:
futility, futile
Usage Tips:
Use "futilely" to describe actions that are pointless or ineffective in achieving a goal.
Common Phrases:
spinning one's wheels, beating a dead horse, tilting at windmills
Etymology:
From Latin "futilis" (leaky, worthless), via Old French "futile."
Examples:
- 1. She sighed and wiped the counter futilely—the stain wouldn’t budge.
- 2. He searched futilely for his keys in the dark room.
- 3. They argued futilely for hours without reaching an agreement.
- 4. The dog barked futilely at the passing cars.