Futileness is spelled with an "e" added to the end of "futility". This added "e" signals the pronunciation of the word, which is /ˈfjuːtɪlənəs/. The first syllable is stressed, with a long "u" sound, followed by a short "i" sound in the second syllable. The final syllable includes the schwa sound /ə/ before the "s" sound at the end. Futileness refers to the quality of being futile or useless, with little to no chance of success or accomplishment.
Futileness is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being futile or ineffectual. Futility, in turn, relates to the pointlessness, uselessness, or lack of success of an action, endeavor, or effort. It signifies the absence of any meaningful outcome or result from one's actions, often leading to a sense of frustration, despair, or disappointment.
When something is deemed futile, it is considered incapable of achieving its intended purpose or goal. This can be due to various factors such as inherent limitations, inadequate resources, or unfavorable circumstances. Futileness can be experienced on an individual level, where personal efforts appear unproductive or unavailing, as well as on a broader scale, such as in societal or global contexts.
The concept of futileness highlights the notion that certain actions or pursuits may lack any actual impact or value, despite the investment of time, energy, or resources. It often implies that a more favorable outcome could not have been achieved, regardless of the level of effort exerted. Futileness can provoke feelings of resignation, helplessness, or disillusionment, prompting individuals to question the worth or validity of their actions.
In philosophical and existential contexts, discussions on the futileness of life or human existence may arise. This philosophical perspective explores the possibility that life ultimately lacks inherent meaning or purpose, and thus any actions undertaken are ultimately futile in the grand scheme of things.
The word "futileness" is derived from the adjective "futile", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "futilis". In Latin, "futilis" meant "vain", "foolish", or "trifling". It is believed to have originated from the Latin verb "futuere", meaning "to pour out" or "to waste". Over time, the meaning of "futilis" evolved to denote something that is incapable of producing a useful result, hence "futile". The noun form "futileness" refers to the quality or state of being futile.