fu·til·i·tar·i·an I. \(ˌ)fyüˌtiləˈterēən, -ˈta(a)r-, -ˈtār-\noun (-s) Etymology: blend of futile and utilitarian 1.: one who engages in futile pursuits 2.: one who believes in the futility of human striving and aspiration • fu·til·i·tar·i·an·ism\-ēəˌnizəm\noun-s II. \(|) ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\adjective : exhibiting or based on an attitude of futility < futilitarian defeatism of the … recent posthumous volume — Fred Rodell >