futility
Futility (noun) means the state of being useless or unable to produce a result. Example: “He eventually recognized the futility of fighting the decision.”
How to use futility
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe pointlessness of doing something that has no real chance of working.
Word forms
futilities plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He eventually recognized the _____ of fighting the decision.
Etymology
From Latin fūtilitās ("worthlessness"); by form, it reads as futile + -ity.
Rhymes for futility
See all rhymes for futility →Frequently asked questions
What does “futility” mean?
The word “futility” means the state of being useless or unable to produce a result. In plain terms, the pointlessness of doing something that has no real chance of working.
How do you pronounce “futility”?
“Futility” is pronounced fyoo-TIH-lih-tee (/fjuˈtɪləti/ in IPA).
How do you use “futility” in a sentence?
Here is “futility” used in a sentence: “He eventually recognized the futility of fighting the decision.”
What part of speech is “futility”?
“Futility” is a noun.
Where does the word “futility” come from?
The word “futility” comes from Latin. From Latin fūtilitās ("worthlessness"); by form, it reads as futile + -ity.
How many meanings does “futility” have?
“Futility” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being useless or unable to produce a result.