How to Correctly Use "To No Avail" in a Sentence

"To no avail" is an idiom that means "without success or any effect" which suggests an effort has been made in vain.

What does "to no avail" mean?

The phrase "to no avail" means one does not acquire the desired results or outcome despite one's efforts. It signifies that the attempts or actions undertaken were ineffective or unsuccessful in producing the intended effect.

Suppose that your friend Sarah spent hours meticulously organizing her study materials before the big exam, hoping it would help her perform better. However, to her dismay, all her efforts were to no avail, as she still struggled to grasp the complex concepts and received a lower grade than she had hoped for. In this context "to no avail" means her efforts proved fruitless and they did not help her get a higher grade on the exam.

Examining the graph below, we can see that the use of "to no avail" was on an upward streak from the 1800s to the 2000s. Its use slightly dipped in the 2000s.

How to Correctly Use "To No Avail" in a Sentence

Is to no avail grammatically correct?

Yes, "to no avail" is grammatically correct. It is an idiomatic expression used to convey that efforts or actions have been unsuccessful or without positive results.

Do you put a comma before "to no avail?"

Yes, a comma is typically placed before "to no avail" when it is used to introduce a dependent clause or phrase. For example: "He attempted to fix the issue for hours, to no avail."

Example sentences

She tried to fix the broken computer, but her efforts were to no avail.
He searched high and low for his lost keys, but his search was to no avail.
They attempted to negotiate with the stubborn vendor, but their attempts were to no avail.
The team practiced extensively, but their efforts were to no avail when they lost the game.
They tried to calm the agitated dog, but their efforts were to no avail as it continued barking.
The scientists conducted numerous experiments, but their attempts to replicate the results were to no avail.
The hikers tried to find a shortcut, but their efforts were to no avail as they ended up getting lost.
She tried different treatments for her chronic pain, but her attempts to find relief were to no avail.
The firefighters battled the raging fire, but their efforts were to no avail as the building was completely destroyed.
He tried to reason with the angry customer, but his attempts to diffuse the situation were to no avail.

To no avail synonyms

In vain
Unsuccessfully
Without success
Without result
Futilely
Without effect
Ineffectively
To little purpose
Without accomplishment
In fruitless efforts

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