mindmap root((无果)) futile may connote completeness of the failure or unwisdom of the undertaking: a ~ search for survivors of the crash. vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result: a ~ attempt to get the car started. fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment: ~ efforts to obtain a lasting peace. bootless chiefly literary, applies to petitions and efforts to obtain relief: a ~ request for aid. abortive suggests failure before plans are matured or activities begun: an ~ attempt to escape.