Synonyms of futile
23 similar words · 10 opposite words
Another word for futile is vain. Other synonyms of futile are pointless, ineffectual, void, idle and unavailing. The opposite of futile is useful.
Synonyms and similar words for futile
adjectiveMore synonyms
- useless
- bootless
- barren
- sterile
- fruitlessUnproductive, useless.
- gainlessNot producing gain; not bringing advantage; unprofitable.
- idleOf no importance; useless; worthless; vain; trifling; thoughtless; silly.
- dry
- ineffectualUnable or insufficient to produce effect.
- inefficacious
- no goodUseless.
- otioseHaving no effect.
- pointlessHaving no purpose; purposeless; unable to effect an aim.
- profitlessNot yielding profit.
- purposelessWithout purpose.
- tired derogatoryPlayed out, ineffectual; incompetent.
- unavailingFruitless, futile, useless.
- unprofitableNot making a profit.
- unusefulNot useful.
- unutilizableNot utilizable.
- vainHaving no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
- voidNot producing any effect; ineffectual; vain.
- inutile obsolete
Opposite of futile
adjectiveMore antonyms
- effectualProducing the intended result; entirely adequate.
- effective
- fruitful
- worthwhileGood and important enough to spend time, effort, or money on.
- gainful
- profitable
- productive
- purposeful
- usefulHaving a practical or beneficial use.
- utilizableAble to be utilized.
Meaning of futile
- adjective Incapable of producing results, useless; doomed not to be successful; not worth attempting.
- adjective Insignificant; frivolous.
futile in other languages
Questions about synonyms of futile
- What is another word for futile?
- Futile has 23 synonyms on Word.ws, such as vain, pointless, ineffectual, void, idle, unavailing, otiose and unprofitable.
- What is the opposite of futile?
- The opposite of futile is useful. Other antonyms of futile are worthwhile and effectual.
- What does futile mean?
- Futile means incapable of producing results, useless; doomed not to be successful; not worth attempting.
Source and license
Adapted from Wiktionary: futile (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.
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Cite this page: “Synonyms of futile.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/futile. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.