1. in a way that is incapable of producing any useful result; pointlessly or ineffectually

Examples

• She futilely tried to convince him to change his mind, but he refused to listen.
• The team futilely attempted to score in the final seconds of the game.
• He futilely searched through the old files, knowing the document was long gone.
• They futilely protested against the decision, which had already been made.
• The rescue workers futilely dug through the rubble looking for survivors.
• She futilely waited for a phone call that would never come.