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fu·tile

(fytl, fytīl′)

adj.

Having no useful result; ineffectual: a futile attempt to renegotiate the contract.

[Latin fūtilis; see gheu- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

futile·ly adv.

futile·ness n.

Synonyms: futile, barren, bootless, fruitless, ineffectual, pointless, unavailing, useless, vain
These adjectives mean producing no result or effect: a futile effort; barren research; bootless entreaties; fruitless labors; ineffectual treatments; pointless comments; an unavailing attempt; a useless discussion; vain regrets.

Antonym: useful

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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