Standard Lemma guide

futilely

adv · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: /ˈfju.təl.li/
  • US: /ˈfju.tə.li/
  • US: /ˈfju.taɪl.li/

1

adv

Meaning 1

In a futile manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: fruitlessly, pointlessly, to no avail, in vain

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fruitlessly, pointlessly, to no avail, in vain

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

in a futile and unproductive manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English futile Middle English -ly English -ly English futilely From futile + -ly.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: turhaan — Translations
  • Finnish: hyödyttömästi — Translations
  • French: futilement — Translations
  • French: en pure perte — Translations
  • Polish: daremnie — Translations
  • Polish: bezcelowo — Translations
  • Portuguese: futilmente — Translations