incapable of producing any result; ineffective; useless; not successful

Attempting to force-feed the sick horse was futile.

trifling; frivolous; unimportant.

adjective

fruitful , hopeful , productive , profitable

adjective

abortive , barren , bootless , delusive , empty , exhausted , forlorn , fruitless , hollow , idle , impracticable , impractical , ineffective , ineffectual , insufficient , in vain , no dice , nugatory , on a treadmill , otiose , out the window , profitless , resultless , save one’s breath , sterile , to no avail , to no effect , to no purpose , trifling , trivial , unavailing , unimportant , unneeded , unproductive , unprofitable , unreal , unsatisfactory , unsubstantial , unsuccessful , useless , vain , valueless , worthless , frivolous , futilitarian , hopeless , inadequate , pointless , unrewarding