If you say that something is futile, you mean there is no point in doing it, usually because it has no chance of succeeding. He brought his arm up in a futile attempt to ward off the blow It would be futile to sustain his life when there is no chance of any improvement. = pointless. actions that are futile are useless because they have no chance of being successful = pointless a futile attempt/effort (futilis )
producing no result or effect; "a futile effort"; "the therapy was ineffectual"; "an otiose undertaking"; "an unavailing attempt"
unproductive of success; "a fruitless search"; "futile years after her artistic peak"; "a sleeveless errand"; "a vain attempt"