avail

[ uh-veyl ]

verb (used with object)

1. to be of use or value to; profit; advantage:

   All our efforts availed us little in trying to effect a change.

verb (used without object)

1. to be of use; have force or efficacy; serve; help:

   His strength did not avail against the hostile onslaught.

2. to be of value or profit.

noun

1. advantage; use; efficacy; effective use in the achievement of a goal or objective:

   His belated help will be of little or no avail.

2. avails, Archaic. profits or proceeds.

avail

/ əˈveɪl /

verb

1. to be of use, advantage, profit, or assistance (to)
2. avail oneself of
   to make use of to one's advantage

noun

1. use or advantage (esp in the phrases of no avail, to little avail )

Derived Forms

• aˈvailingly, adverb

Other Words From

• a·vailing·ly adverb
• una·vailed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of avail¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English availe, from a- a- ² + Old French vail-, noun stem of valoir “to be worth,” from Latin valēre “to be strong, be well, be of worth”

Word History and Origins

Origin of avail¹

C13 availen, from vailen, from Old French valoir, from Latin valēre to be strong, prevail

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. avail oneself of, to use to one's advantage:

   They availed themselves of the opportunity to hear a free concert.

More idioms and phrases containing avail

In addition to the idiom beginning with avail , also see to no avail .

Example Sentences

Amanda said she has raised the issue on local social media channels to no avail, adding that the effect on her dog is horrible to see.

From BBC

Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol had blocked off the intersection of Whittier and Atlantic boulevards in an effort to stymie cruising, but to no avail — cars merely did a U-turn on Hillview Avenue.

From Los Angeles Times

The 29-year-old added that he is likely to avail of some professional help as he continues his preparations for the gruelling challenge that awaits him.

From BBC

Stokes tinkered with the field, to no avail.

From BBC

Thinking she must have typed the license plate number or the address wrong, she tried two more times — to no avail.

From Los Angeles Times