Futile

WORD OF THE DAY

 

FUTILE \ FYOO-tul \ adjective

 

Definition

1a: serving no useful purpose
1b: completely ineffective

 

2a: occupied with trifles

2b: frivolous

 

Examples

Unfortunately, all efforts to repair the damage ultimately proved futile.

"Kumiko's journey is a tragic one. It is made clear from the beginning that her quest is futile."
— Josh Weitzel, Columbia Chronicle (Columbia College Chicago), April 13, 2015

 

Did You Know?

Futile floated into the English language in the mid-16th century from Middle French, where it took shape from the Latin adjective futilis, meaning "that easily pours out" or "leaky."

That leak of information lets you in on how futile developed its "ineffective" and "frivolous" meanings: things that are leaky are of no use. In 1827, English author Robert Southey found use for the word by blending it into utilitarian to form futilitarian, a word that is used today for anyone who believes that human striving is futile.