futile
Significado: Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless and doomed to failure. Used to describe efforts, attempts, or actions that are wholly ineffective.
Futile is a powerful word of despair and resignation, implying not merely that something is unlikely to succeed but that it is inherently incapable of doing so. It is stronger than 'unsuccessful' or 'ineffective' because it suggests the outcome was inevitable from the start. The word is common in war reporting, legal commentary, and political analysis, and collocates with 'attempt,' 'effort,' 'exercise,' 'gesture,' and 'resistance.' The noun 'futility' is equally prevalent, particularly in discussions of conflict.
Ejemplos
- Rescue teams made a futile attempt to reach the trapped miners before the shaft collapsed entirely. 救援队在矿井完全坍塌之前,对被困矿工进行了徒劳的救援尝试。Los equipos de rescate realizaron un intento fútil de alcanzar a los mineros atrapados antes de que el pozo se derrumbara por completo.救助隊は坑道が完全に崩壊する前に閉じ込められた鉱夫たちに到達しようと無駄な試みを行った。구조대는 갱도가 완전히 붕괴하기 전에 갇힌 광부들에게 도달하려고 헛된 시도를 했다.
- Opposition MPs described the amendment as a futile gesture that would change nothing about the legislation. 反对党议员将该修正案称为毫无意义的姿态,不会改变立法的任何内容。Los diputados de la oposición calificaron la enmienda de gesto fútil que no cambiaría nada de la legislación.野党議員はその修正案を、法律を何一つ変えない無意味なパフォーマンスだと評した。야당 의원들은 그 수정안을 법안을 전혀 바꾸지 못할 무의미한 제스처라고 평했다.
- The board recognised that further negotiations would be futile and authorised legal proceedings instead. 董事会认识到进一步谈判将是徒劳的,于是授权启动法律程序。La junta reconoció que continuar las negociaciones sería fútil y autorizó la vía judicial.取締役会はこれ以上の交渉が無益であると認識し、法的手続きの開始を承認した。이사회는 추가 협상이 무익할 것임을 인정하고 대신 법적 절차 개시를 승인했다.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: general, academic
Tono: negative
Origen e historia
From Latin futilis (leaky, unreliable, worthless), originally describing a vessel that could not hold water. Entered English in the 16th century, acquiring its modern sense of pointless endeavour.
Contexto cultural
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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