to no avail

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
हिन्दी
Hindi
/tə nəʊ əˈveɪl/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Without success or any useful effect.
Practice using to no avail in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • We searched all night, but to no avail.
  • They tried to repair the old pump, to no avail.
  • He called repeatedly, but to no avail.
  • The team changed its tactics, to no avail.
  • She appealed the decision, to no avail.

Similar words

fruitlessly
in vain
without success

Meanings

An unsuccessful effort

outcome
formal
Usually follows an action to say that the effort failed to achieve its intended result.

Examples

  • We searched all night, but to no avail.
  • She appealed the decision, to no avail.
  • They tried to repair the old pump, to no avail.
  • He called repeatedly, but to no avail.
  • The team changed its tactics, to no avail.

Similar words

without success
fruitlessly
in vain

Etymology

Avail is an old noun meaning benefit or use, so the phrase means without benefit.

FAQ

What does to no avail mean?

Without success or any useful effect.

When is to no avail used?

Place it after the attempt whose failure you want to stress.

How does to no avail differ from unsuccessfully?

Unsuccessfully states a result plainly; to no avail often emphasizes a failed effort.

How is to no avail used in a sentence?

We searched all night, but to no avail.

Is to no avail formal?

It has a formal or literary tone.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...