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.

Trying to find the cause is an exercise in futility.

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 Wild, with so much futility on their shoulders, with so much fan angst and frustration and hope — actual hope! —Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 1 May 2026

That completed Colorado’s three-game sweep at Citi Field, extending the Mets’ run of futility to 15 losses in 17 games. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026

Michael’s commercial reception may seem to show the futility of trying to litigate truth regarding someone as once-beloved as its subject. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026

Instead, every game plays out like a study in futility. —Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for futility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• gentility
• hostility
• humility

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