UNAVAILING Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

unavailing

adjective

ˌən-ə-ˈvā-liŋ

Definition of unavailing

as in futile

producing no results an unavailing effort to avert a war

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unavailing On Saturday, Durant reaffirmed his stance that the question of his and other superstars’ effort was an unavailing narrative to explore every February. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026 The position advanced by the states is legally unavailing as a matter of longstanding and well-established law. — WSJ, 25 July 2018 Efforts to aid him with lifeboats, three of which were ineffectually trying to breast the heavy sea, were unavailing, while a lifeline, held by a number of rescuers, was carried far out into the surf by a number of swimmers. — sandiegouniontribune.com, 6 May 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unavailing

Adjective

This meant that the negotiating parties had reached a deadlock beyond which further discussion would be futile.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Adelaide’s music had become an argument, however futile, with finality.

— Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of futile

Adjective

Dean Riley, 62, was pronounced dead at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, according to the coroner’s office.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
While not all lawsuits filed against small businesses are valid, even an unsuccessful lawsuit can cause major business disruptions and result in costly legal fees.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsuccessful

Browse Nearby Words

unavailable

unavailing

unavailingness

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“Unavailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unavailing. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unavailing

adjective

Example Sentences

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