futilely
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: In a manner that is completely ineffective or unsuccessful; producing no useful result; pointlessly.
Usage
The adverb "futilely" describes an action that is performed with effort but is doomed to fail or is incapable of achieving the desired outcome. It emphasizes the fruitlessness of the effort.
Examples
- He futilely tried to repair the shattered vase with glue.
- The team futilely argued against the manager's final decision.
- She searched futilely for her lost keys in the dark.
Advanced Usage
- To struggle/strive futilely: To make a great but ultimately useless effort.
- The activists struggled futilely against the new legislation.
- To hope/wait futilely: To maintain hope or wait for something that will not happen.
- We waited futilely for a change in the weather before canceling the picnic.
Variants and Related Words
- Futile (adjective): Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
- a futile attempt
- Futility (noun): The quality of being futile; uselessness.
- the futility of war
Synonyms
- In vain: Without success or a result.
- Pointlessly: With little or no sense, reason, or purpose.
- Unsuccessfully: Without achieving success.
- To no avail: Without any benefit or positive effect.
Antonyms
- Effectively: In a way that produces a desired or intended result.
- Successfully: Accomplishing a desired aim or result.
- Fruitfully: In a productive or profitable manner.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A futile effort/attempt: An action that has no chance of success.
- Trying to convince him was a futile effort.
- Like trying to hold back the tide: An idiom describing a completely futile action.
- Opposing the popular opinion was like trying to hold back the tide.
Adverb
- in a futile and unproductive manner