fool's errand
noun
: a needless or profitless endeavor
"No, no. You forced me into visiting him last year, and promised, if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool's errand again."—
Jane Austen
Jane AustenPredicting what will happen with China is a fool's errand. China is the exception that proves so many rules wrong.—John Feffer
John FefferWhile trying to change European opinion of America is not exactly a fool's errand, neither should we expect much from the effort.—James W. Ceaser
James W. CeaserExamples of fool's errand in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Relying on our politicians having any sense of morality is, clearly, a fool's errand.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
That won't solve all this team's problems, but if this team continues to find itself in close games every week, better field-goal kicking could prove pivotal.
Texans vs. Jets Prediction
Predicting what the Jets will do next is a fool's errand.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
The presence of an electric Equinox where competitors offer hybrids that still burn some gasoline makes comparing for the most efficient models a fool's errand.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024
The Iraq war proved that trying to install new regimes in Arab countries is a fool's errand; defending existing regimes facing internal rebellion will be no easier.
—Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2013
Making predictions before prospects even begin their final seasons, then, is inherently a fool's errand.
—Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2023
Drawing grand conclusions from 13 games is a fool's errand, especially with this team.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 13 Apr. 2023
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.
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
That won't solve all this team's problems, but if this team continues to find itself in close games every week, better field-goal kicking could prove pivotal.
Texans vs. Jets Prediction
Predicting what the Jets will do next is a fool's errand.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
The presence of an electric Equinox where competitors offer hybrids that still burn some gasoline makes comparing for the most efficient models a fool's errand.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024
The Iraq war proved that trying to install new regimes in Arab countries is a fool's errand; defending existing regimes facing internal rebellion will be no easier.
—Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2013
Making predictions before prospects even begin their final seasons, then, is inherently a fool's errand.
—Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2023
Drawing grand conclusions from 13 games is a fool's errand, especially with this team.
—Michael Shapiro, Chron, 13 Apr. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near fool's errand
Cite this Entry
“Fool's errand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fool%27s%20errand. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share