How to Pronounce “futile”

American (US)

/ˈfjuːtəl/

British (UK)

/ˈfjuːtaɪl/

adjective — Incapable of producing any useful result.

Example: Further argument was futile.

Synonyms: pointless, vain

Antonyms: effective

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈfjuːtəl/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “futile” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “futile” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfjuːtəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈfjuːtəl/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "futile" mean?

futile (adjective): Incapable of producing any useful result. For example — Further argument was futile.

How do you pronounce "futile" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈfjuːtəl/. British English: /ˈfjuːtaɪl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "futile"?

/ˈfjuːtəl/ in American English, /ˈfjuːtaɪl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "futile"?

“futile” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfjuːtəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.