Words / C1

fyoo-TIL-uh-tee/fjuːˈtɪləti/

Futility is the quality of having no useful result; pointlessness: the futility of the gesture, a sense of futility. Pointlessness is everyday; a slogan on a locked door is not invigilation.

Meaning

The quality of having no useful result; pointlessness.

Examples

• “The futility of a slogan on a locked door is not invigilation.”
• “Pointlessness is everyday. Uselessness is a cousin. A slogan is comms. A named officer at the door is cover. Staff the door; then print the slogan if it still helps the queue.”

Good to know

Pointlessness; no useful result. Everyday: pointlessness. A slogan ≠ invigilation.

Near in meaning

pointlessness, uselessness, vainness

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