unavailing

[ uhn-uh-vey-ling ]

adjective

1. ineffectual; futile.

unavailing

/ ˌʌnəˈveɪlɪŋ /

adjective

1. useless or futile

Derived Forms

• ˌunaˈvailingly, adverb

Other Words From

• una·vailing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unavailing¹

First recorded in 1660–70; un- ¹ + avail + -ing ²

Example Sentences

A five-judge panel wrote in a three-page decision that Trump’s “contention that the conclusion of trial constitutes a change in circumstances warranting termination of the remaining Restraining Order provision is unavailing.”

From Salon

So far, though, the efforts have been unavailing.

From Los Angeles Times

“Unfortunately, our informal efforts to get the city to abide by this order have been unavailing.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Separate but equal is unavailing. Discrimination claims are not defeated because separate services, facilities, accommodations were made available.”

From Washington Post

The speech will thrill those for whom the glories of patriotic battle can never dim, and will chill those who do not think themselves less patriotic because they find war an ugly and unavailing abomination.

From Los Angeles Times