Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fools-errand

noun

/ˈfuːlzˈɛr.ənd/

Definition

A task that is pointless or futile, often undertaken with the thought that it might lead to some benefit or success, but which ultimately does not.

Examples

Sending him to negotiate was a fool’s errand; he had no power to make decisions.
Trying to convince her to change her mind was nothing but a fool’s errand.

Meaning

An action or assignment that is unlikely to produce any results or is designed to fail, making it seem as if the person was sent on a task that was foolish from the start.