来自拉丁语fundere, 倾注，倾泻，词源同foundry, alchemy, confused. 引申词义流走的，徒劳的。

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.

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.

3. Their efforts to revive him were futile.

他们对他抢救无效.

4. He is a futile sort of person.

他是一个没有用的人.

5. Their costly and futile attempt to subjugate the Afghans lasted just 10 years.

他们大动干戈想要控制阿富汗地区，但只持续了10年就无果而终了。