ˈfɹuːtləs ˈfjuː.taɪl ˈfju.taɪ.əl ˈəʊ.ʃi.əʊs ˈoʊ.ʃi.oʊs veɪn unproductive of success a fruitless search futile years after her artistic peak a sleeveless errand a vain attempt producing no result or effect a futile effort the therapy was ineffectual an otiose undertaking an unavailing attempt