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
W. A. WhiteExamples of futility in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When nurses stay silent, whether from fear, futility or institutional pressure, violence becomes an accepted part of the job.
—Jason Blomquist, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
But the two forged a closeness amid their club’s futility.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
The predominant tone in the conspiracy films of the 1970s is futility.
—Chris Vognar, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Von Miller was the last defensive player to win the Super Bowl MVP, in Denver's win in 2016.
4d ago / 6:29 PM PST
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Chiefs avoid historic offensive futility
Andrew Greif
Kansas City was threatening to become the first team in Super Bowl history to be held scoreless.
—Owen Hayes, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2025
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Jason Blomquist, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
But the two forged a closeness amid their club’s futility.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
The predominant tone in the conspiracy films of the 1970s is futility.
—Chris Vognar, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Von Miller was the last defensive player to win the Super Bowl MVP, in Denver's win in 2016.
4d ago / 6:29 PM PST
Copied
Share
Chiefs avoid historic offensive futility
Andrew Greif
Kansas City was threatening to become the first team in Super Bowl history to be held scoreless.
—Owen Hayes, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for futility
Cite this Entry
“Futility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/futility. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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