“To No Avail” Meaning, Origin and Examples

The phrase “to no avail” is one you may often hear or read in everyday conversation and writing. This reference provides the definition and the story of its origin.

You will find examples that show how to use the phrase correctly, as well as alternative ways to say it while keeping the same meaning. Here is a thorough guide to help you understand and effectively employ this phrase in your communication.

To No Avail Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The idiom “to no avail” means something that you tried to do to remedy a situation was of little use, ineffective or unsuccessful.
To No Avail Meaning
To No Avail Meaning – Created by 7ESL

To No Avail Meaning

To no avail” means that an effort or action was unsuccessful or did not produce the desired result. It implies that despite trying, the intended outcome could not be achieved.

For example:

  • “They tried to fix the broken machine, but to no avail.”
  • “She searched for her lost keys for hours, but it was to no avail.”

In both examples, the phrase emphasizes the futility of the effort.

Origin of this Phrase

The word avail means advantage. The phrase takes the definition of this word to describe a preconceived advantage to be of very little or no use. The phrase first appeared in the mid-1400s and has been used widely since.

Usage of “To No Avail”

  • Efforts in vain: “We searched for hours, but to no avail; the keys were nowhere to be found.”
  • Unsuccessful attempts: “He appealed to the committee for a reconsideration, but it was to no avail.”
  • Lack of results: “I asked for help multiple times, but to no avail, no one responded.”

Related Terms to “To No Avail”

  • In vain – Refers to efforts that are futile or unsuccessful.
  • Fruitless – Describes something that produces no useful results.
  • To no effect – Indicates that efforts did not produce the intended result.
  • Without success – Expresses that an effort was made, but it didn’t succeed.
  • Futile – Describes something pointless or ineffective.
  • For nothing – Implies that the effort or action did not lead to any result.
  • Unsuccessful – Simply means that the attempt or action failed.
  • Without avail – Another variation of “to no avail,” meaning without success.
  • Pointless – Indicates something with no useful purpose or outcome.
  • Failed attempt – Refers to an effort that did not achieve its goal.

Other Ways to Say “To No Avail”

Like most phrases, there are other ways to say the phrase “to no avail.” Other ways you can convey the same meaning include:

  • Ineffective
  • Unsuccessful
  • Of little to no use

“To No Avail” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made in the local newspaper about a family lost in a house fire.

  • “The first responders made every effort to rescue the family. However, their efforts were to no avail. The home was too engulfed with flames.”

A statement made in a popular entertainment magazine by a celebrity.

  • “I tried to help them adjust the script to make it a better movie, but my efforts were to no avail.”

Examples of Conversations

A conversation between two friends at school.

  • Friend 1: Did you ask Barbara out yet?
  • Friend 2: Yes.
  • Friend 1: What did she say?
  • Friend 2: She said no.
  • Friend 1: Really? Even after all you have done to try and impress her?
  • Friend 2: Yeah, I guess my efforts were to no avail.

A conversation between two co-workers on the job.

  • Co-worker 1: Did you get your raise yet?
  • Co-worker 2: No, I have not heard back about my evaluation yet. How about you?
  • Co-worker 1: Yes, I heard back yesterday. They gave me a small one, but not what I was hoping for. I guess my efforts to show them I was worth a bigger raise were to no avail.

Other examples:

  • The man tries hard to jack the car, but to no avail.
  • We searched the whole area but all to no avail. Robbie had disappeared.
  • They protested bitterly to their employers, but to no avail.
  • He tried hard to pick a hole in what I said, but to no avail.
  • The doctors tried everything to keep him alive but to no avail.
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