Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfjuːtaɪl/

Definitions

1. **Adjective**: Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless or ineffective. Example: "All their efforts were futile in preventing the storm."

2. **Adjective**: Producing little or no result; in vain. Example: "She made a futile attempt to change his mind."

Usage Examples

• "It seemed futile to argue with him after he made his decision."
• "Her attempts to fix the situation were futile, as everything was already out of control."

Etymology

From Middle French *futile*, from Latin *futilis* meaning 'leaky, worthless', from *fundere* 'to pour'. The word was used in the early 15th century to describe things that were incapable of holding value or results, both literally and figuratively.

Synonyms

• Pointless
• Ineffective
• Useless
• Vain
• Unavailing
• Fruitless

Antonyms

• Effective
• Useful
• Productive
• Meaningful
• Valuable

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "futile" may differ slightly across different accents, with speakers from the UK typically using the "yoo" sound (/ˈfjuːtaɪl/) and speakers from the US often using the same phonetic pronunciation. In some informal contexts, "futile" might be pronounced with less emphasis on the "u" sound, simplifying to "/ˈfutail/".

Historical Usage

The word "futile" has been in use since the 15th century, with its earliest recorded usage in English referring to something that was ineffective or incapable of holding anything of value. Originally borrowed from the Latin *futilis*, meaning "leaky" or "vain," it was used to describe things that could not contain or produce any meaningful result, an idea which still applies today.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the idea of futility is often tied to the philosophical notion of the meaning of life and the effort to achieve goals. For instance, in existential thought, the struggle to find meaning in life is sometimes described as futile, acknowledging the inherent limitations and uncertainties of human existence. In literature, futility often becomes a theme of despair or the absurdity of human efforts.

More Information

The concept of futility has been explored in various philosophical, literary, and cultural contexts. In literature, works like Samuel Beckett's *Waiting for Godot* examine the futility of human existence and effort. The word also plays a significant role in psychological discussions about motivation and the pursuit of goals, where one may feel their actions are futile when they do not produce desired outcomes. Despite its negative connotation, futility can also be seen as a source of introspection and a challenge to find meaning in the face of failure.