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unavailing

adjective
un·​avail·​ing | \ ˌən-ə-ˈvā-liŋ How to pronounce unavailing (audio) \

Definition of unavailing

: not availing : futile, useless
Other Words from unavailing Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about unavailing

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Other Words from unavailing

unavailingly \ ˌən-​ə-​ˈvā-​liŋ-​lē How to pronounce unavailingly (audio) \ adverb
unavailingness noun

Examples of unavailing in a Sentence

an unavailing effort to avert a war

Recent Examples on the Web

 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, "May 6, 1918: 13 drown at Ocean Beach," 6 May 2018 American demands for an end to the North Korean nuclear program have proved unavailing. — Henry A. Kissinger, WSJ, "How to Resolve the North Korea Crisis," 11 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unavailing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of unavailing

1670, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for unavailing

unavailing

adjective
How to pronounce unavailing (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of unavailing

formal : not useful or successful

See the full definition for unavailing in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on unavailing

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with unavailing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unavailing

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