futile

2 definitions • 4 examples

(of actions) having no effect or achieving nothing:

Attempts to get supplies to the region are futile because troops will not allow the aid convoy to enter the city.

It's completely futile trying to reason with him - he just won't listen.

prove futile All my attempts to cheer her up proved futile.

achieving no result; not effective or successful:

The plane detoured north in a futile attempt to avoid the bad weather.