feeling of futility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of futility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of hopelessness or the belief that efforts are pointless. Example: "After countless attempts to resolve the issue, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of futility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I suppose I have a feeling of futility......

The Guardian

Whatever chuckles a new mockumentary produces are tempered by a feeling of futility.

The New Yorker

Whatever chuckles Johnny Depp produces playing Trump are tempered by a feeling of futility.

The New Yorker

He had a feeling of futility and doubts about whether it was worthwhile carrying on".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That feeling of futility is what ultimately kept me from going to the police.

The Guardian

The prickly feeling of futility as I wrote that last bit was unavoidable: fat chance, obviously.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Becker found that even when healthcare professionals value the rehabilitation of older frail patients, they still experience feelings of futility about the outcome of their efforts, because they feel that elders with disability are slow and unproductive, and therefore they do not seem to be "worth" the cost of rehabilitation (Becker 1994).

Johns Hopkins University

Those whose bosses frequently acted on their behalf had significantly reduced feelings of futility.

Harvard Business Review

They are prone to depression, have feelings of futility, lack of belongingness, friendliness, and a lack of trust in others".

The New Yorker

That second question is one most artists ask themselves, though Mr. Linyekula's background gives standard feelings of futility unusual weight.

The New York Times - Arts

I switch off my lights and sort out my rubbish, but I also fight the private feelings of futility.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "feeling of futility", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing this feeling. Providing specific examples will enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of futility" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly frustrating. Reserve it for scenarios that involve significant setbacks, systemic issues, or profound disappointments to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of futility" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use to describe a state of mind or emotion experienced in response to challenging circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of futility" effectively conveys a sense of hopelessness or the belief that one's efforts are pointless. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using the phrase, it is essential to provide clear context and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "sense of hopelessness" or "feeling of helplessness" offer similar meanings, though the original phrase clearly conveys a state of mind or emotion experienced in response to challenging circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of hopelessness

Focuses on the lack of hope associated with the situation.

sense of powerlessness

Highlights the lack of control or agency in a situation.

feeling of helplessness

Emphasizes the inability to change or improve a situation.

sense of despair

Conveys a deep feeling of loss of hope and resignation.

feeling of meaninglessness

Focuses on the lack of purpose or value in a situation.

experience of disillusionment

Highlights the disappointment resulting from a loss of faith in something.

perception of pointlessness

Emphasizes the lack of a valid reason or purpose for something.

belief in ineffectiveness

Focuses on the conviction that efforts will not produce the desired outcome.

state of discouragement

Highlights the state of being disheartened or lacking motivation.

mood of resignation

Expresses acceptance of a negative situation without resistance.

FAQs

What does the phrase "feeling of futility" mean?

The "feeling of futility" describes a sense of hopelessness or the belief that efforts are pointless and will not produce any meaningful results. It often arises from experiencing repeated failures or facing insurmountable obstacles.

How can I use "feeling of futility" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of futility" to describe a personal emotion or a general atmosphere. For example, "After the project's cancellation, a "feeling of futility" settled over the team" or "She was overwhelmed by a "feeling of futility" when she realized all her efforts had been in vain."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "feeling of futility"?

Alternatives include "sense of hopelessness", "sense of powerlessness", "feeling of helplessness", or "sense of despair", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "feeling of futility" differ from "feeling of disappointment"?

"Feeling of disappointment" refers to sadness or regret after failing to meet an expectation, whereas "feeling of futility" implies a deeper sense that efforts are inherently pointless, suggesting a lack of efficacy or purpose beyond the immediate disappointment.