Definition

Not effective or useful; having no positive result.

Example

Despite their efforts, the team's attempts to fix the problem were unavailing.

Conversation

I tried talking to him about the problem, but it felt unavailing in the end.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it just doesn't help.

Yeah, I guess some situations are just unavailing no matter what you do.

Exactly! It's frustrating, but we can't fix everything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unavailing → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "availing" (from the verb "avail", which comes from Old French *valoir*, meaning to be of use or benefit). The word "unavailing" means not being of use or benefit, or ineffective.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'useful' ('availing') — that's why unavailing means something that is not useful or effective.

Visually Confused Words