What does "to no avail" mean? Definition and usage
When you've tried but nothing comes of it.
Have you ever tried your hardest at something but it ends without the desired result? This is the moment when one may say "to no avail."
Simply put
"Avail" itself means help or benefit.
"to no avail" is to not receive the help or benefit you were hoping for.
Sentences
1) I was hoping for a bite of his juicy burger but to no avail. (did not receive a bite)
2) I tried to squeeze into these pants for 3 hours straight but to no avail. (could not fit into the pants which was the desired result)
3) I studied so hard for the driving test but to no avail. ( Studying for the test did not help to receive a higher grade.)
When can you use it?
Use this when you simply want to sound fancy while discussing a failed attempt at something or when a situation doesn't go as planned.
Do you get the picture? If you don't understand, I've tried to explain it to no avail.
"does not count"
No avail means "without any success or any effect"
He tried to get help from his friends pass his exam but no avail.
"no avail" means that the thing referred does not bring any results or any success.
To not avail is an idiom quite used in the informal speaking
To no avail means without any success or any effect
They tried to negotiate pacifically but to no avail
Try to use it when you want to describe something that didn't go as you expected!
It means : without any success