Etymology Map
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Futile

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means pointless

Where does the word "futile" come from? It comes from Latin futilis, passing through French before entering English (1550s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
futilis
Latin · ancient
"leaky"
a vessel that pours out easily, from 'fundere', to pour
2
Stage 2 of 3
futile
French · 1500s
"vain"
Latin 'futilis' literally meant easily poured out, like a leaky vessel, hence worthless
3
Stage 3 of 3
futile
English · 1550s
"leaky; useless"
'futility' dates from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Futile’s story begins in Latin: futilis meant “leaky.” A vessel that pours out easily, from 'fundere', to pour. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as futile. Latin 'futilis' literally meant easily poured out, like a leaky vessel, hence worthless. It reached English by 1550s as futile. 'futility' dates from the 1600s. Today, futile means pointless.