"incapable of producing result," 1550s, from Middle French futile or directly from Latin futilis, futtilis "vain, worthless, futile," a figurative use, literally "pouring out easily, easily emptied" (the Latin adjective used as a noun meant "a water vessel broad above and pointed below"), hence "leaky, unreliable," from fundere "to pour, melt," from PIE root *gheu- "to pour" (see found (v.2)). Related: Futilely.
实用例句
1. They were killed, to the last man, in a futile attack.
因为进攻失败,他们全部被杀, 无一幸免.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. Without microscopes and other modern equipment, attempts to teach science were futile.
没有显微镜及其他现代化的设备, 想教授自然科学是不会有成果的.
来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
3. Their efforts to revive him were futile.
他们对他抢救无效.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. He is a futile sort of person.
他是一个没有用的人.
来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
5. Their costly and futile attempt to subjugate the Afghans lasted just 10 years.
