| It would be futile to hope that athletes might be encouraged toward exemplary behaviour. |
| It's as futile as players complaining to referees after the fact about penalties and red cards. |
| Signs of bloat are stomach pain and futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. |
| Internet use in China has quadrupled since 2000 and ultimately censorship may prove futile. |
| Political leaders are confronted suddenly with a new set of conditions that makes continued resistance futile. |
| He was part of a team that made one last futile attempt to force radio to embrace public interest programming. |
