futilely
Translation
pointlessly, uselessly, ineffectually
Examples
He struggled futilely against the ropes.
He struggled futilely against the ropes.
Grammar Patterns
to ((verb)) futilely to do sth. in a way that has no effect or success She tried futilely to open the locked door.
Similar Words
Synonyms: in vain, uselessly, pointlessly; Antonyms: effectively, successfully
Etymology
Formed from the adjective 'futile' + the adverb-forming suffix '-ly'.
Memory Tips
Just add '-ly' to 'futile' to describe an action that is done in a futile manner. The action itself is pointless.