futility

noun

fu·​til·​i·​ty fyü-ˈti-lə-tē 

plural futilities

1

: the quality or state of being futile : uselessness

His speech focused on the futility of violence.

2

: a useless act or gesture

the futilities of debate for its own sake

—W. A. White

Examples of futility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the futility of any of these plans was cemented when the Florida Legislature passed a law that essentially did away with any need for a permit when carrying a gun. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024

The last time the Dolphins had such a skid of futility was Dec. 3, 1967. —Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2024

Obviously, in Rob’s case, this is a story of bleakness, despair, the utter futility of existence and taking a cheese-grater to the soul, but the rest of us don’t have to be like that. —George Caulkin, The Athletic, 14 Aug. 2024

McDermott already owns as many playoff wins as Schottenheimer in a third of the time and has a long way to go to match Schottenheimer’s lifetime of Lombardi Trophy futility. —Tim Graham, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French and Latin; French futilité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin fūtilitāt-, fūtilitās (also futtilitāt-, futtilitās) "unprofitableness, uselessness," from fūtilis, futtilis "brittle, fragile (of containers), serving no purpose, pointless" + -itāt- -itās -ity — more at futile

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing futility

• exercise in futility

Kids Definition

futility

noun

fu·​til·​i·​ty ˌfyu̇-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural futilities

1

: the quality or state of being futile

2

: a useless act