futilely

/ˈfjuːtaɪli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfjuːtəli/ (ame, ipa)

futilely — adverb

1. doing something that brings no result, even after real effort — like pushing a s

1.副詞C1
釋義

doing something that brings no result, even after real effort — like pushing a stuck door over and over or arguing with someone who will never agree.

例句

Rohan tugged futilely at the locked car door while the rain grew heavier.

verb + futilely for a physical effort that fails

Gabriela searched futilely through her bag for the missing concert ticket.

search/look + futilely for a fruitless attempt

同義詞
  • in vain

    the most natural everyday equivalent; usually placed at the end of the clause

  • fruitlessly

    very close in meaning; slightly more formal and written

  • uselessly

    broader; can also suggest the action itself was pointless, not just unsuccessful

  • vainly

    literary; often paired with 'hope', 'wait', or 'try'

反義詞

文法句型

verb + futilely

futilely + verb

用法筆記

Most often follows action verbs such as 'try', 'struggle', 'wait', 'search', 'wave', or 'argue', and frequently combines with 'try futilely + to-infinitive'. Slightly formal: in everyday speech Taiwanese learners may hear 'in vain' or 'for nothing' more often. The adverb usually carries a tone of frustration or quiet pity for the person making the wasted effort.

常見錯誤

❌The effort was futilely.
✅The effort was futile.
💡Use the adjective 'futile' after 'be'; 'futilely' only modifies verbs.
❌Liam futilely.
✅Liam tried futilely to open the jar.
💡'Futilely' needs a verb (and usually an object or to-infinitive) to attach to.