useless struggles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useless struggles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe efforts or attempts that are deemed ineffective or without purpose. Example: "After months of trying to fix the old car, I realized it was just a series of useless struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For just as the birth of spirit is joyous, because some nascent harmony evokes it, so the rending or smothering of that harmony, if not sudden, imposes useless struggles and suffering" (Birth of Reason, 53).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Suicidal, he pleads with Lucifer: "Let me see no more of my harsh fate: this useless struggle".Things today are not quite that bad.

The Economist

Alfredo Rodríguez, the leader of Mr. Fox's National Action Party in Yucatán, said Governor Cervera was "exploiting the issue of sovereignty to maintain his political power -- a useless struggle, because he's going to lose".

The New York Times

Yet the report shows how poor countries' governments often tie their own people down in a thicket of useless regulation.The struggles in starting a new firm are only the first of many burdens.

The Economist

It was useless to struggle.

The Guardian - Books

The Israeli Army, countering the Palestinian intifada, found its armored vehicles and superior firepower useless in a struggle that required careful intelligence-led searches for the enemy.

The New York Times

Professor Levine said his doctorate was useless as he struggled to decide whether a defendant had intended to pop a man's eye out during a subway brawl, or whether it had been accidental.

The New York Times

The contours of Lisa's life are exquisitely rendered: the cramped apartment that she shares with her mother, an actress, played by J. Smith-Cameron, Lonergan's wife; the pathetic urgency of the transcontinental telephone conversations that she has with her well-intentioned but useless father, a struggling writer of commercials, who lives in Santa Monica.

The New Yorker

If you've ever spent an hour (or more) playing office bingo in yet another useless meeting or struggled to understand why your business isn't making money even though sales are up, then you'll know the frustration that can come with trying to get an accurate picture of a business's position.

Huffington Post

They rendered the site all but useless, and Mr. Justen struggled with what to do next.

The New York Times

I am not weak or useless or unworthy for struggling with the challenges I face – nor is anybody else.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "useless struggles" to concisely convey the idea of efforts that are not only difficult but also ultimately unproductive, especially when discussing systemic issues or personal challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "useless struggles" in overly casual conversations. While grammatically sound, it can sound overly dramatic or formal in everyday exchanges. Opt for simpler alternatives like "pointless efforts" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useless struggles" functions as a noun phrase where "useless" modifies "struggles", indicating the struggles are unproductive or futile. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase, evidenced by its presence in various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useless struggles" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes efforts which are ultimately unproductive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and presence in reputable sources. While the phrase is relatively rare, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. When opting for alternatives, consider options like "futile efforts" or "pointless endeavors" to match the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using "useless struggles" in overly casual conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

futile efforts

Replaces "struggles" with "efforts", emphasizing the unproductive nature of the attempts.

pointless endeavors

Substitutes both words, highlighting the lack of purpose and inherent meaninglessness.

fruitless attempts

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcomes or results from the actions taken.

vain strivings

A more formal and literary alternative, suggesting a sense of pride or ego involved in the unsuccessful efforts.

abortive efforts

Focuses on the premature ending and failure to achieve completion or success.

ineffectual battles

Highlights the inability to produce a desired effect or outcome in a contentious situation.

futile resistance

Implies opposition or defense that is doomed to fail against a superior force.

idle contentions

Suggests arguments or disagreements that lack substance or importance.

unavailing exertions

Emphasizes the effort expended without any beneficial result.

dead-end conflicts

Focuses on disputes that lead to no resolution or positive change.

FAQs

What does "useless struggles" mean?

The phrase "useless struggles" refers to efforts or actions that are difficult and demanding but ultimately fail to achieve any meaningful result or positive outcome. They are characterized by a lack of progress or purpose.

What are some alternatives to "useless struggles"?

You can use alternatives like "futile efforts", "pointless endeavors", or "fruitless attempts" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "useless struggles" in a sentence?

You can use "useless struggles" to describe a situation where someone is putting in a lot of effort but not achieving anything, such as: "After months of trying to fix the old car, I realized it was just a series of useless struggles."

In what contexts is "useless struggles" most appropriate?

The phrase "useless struggles" is suitable for formal writing, academic discussions, and news reports when discussing efforts that are ultimately unproductive. It may be less appropriate in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives are preferable.