Futile
/ˈfjuː.taɪl/noun
Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
Did you know?The word 'futile' comes from a Latin term meaning 'leaky' or 'permeable', symbolizing efforts that slip away like water—forever lost.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
futilis
“Leaky, worthless, permeable, indicating something that cannot hold value.”
Old French
Old French
futile
“Pointless or empty, emphasizing the lack of substance.”
14th Century
Middle English
futile
“Incapable of producing results, a direct borrowing from Old French.”
Modern English
English
futile
“Retaining the meaning of being ineffective or pointless, reflecting its ancient roots.”