American English

How to pronounce avail

noun · verbB2
uhVAYL

/əˈveɪl/

2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.

the usefulness or benefit that something has in a situation

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Meanings & examples

noun

the usefulness or benefit that something has in a situation

The search continued to no avail.

His advice was of no avail.

Good to know

This noun is most often used in the fixed phrases to no avail and of no avail.

Common phrases & grammar

be of no avail

to no avail

verbformalless common

to use an opportunity, service, or resource

Guests may avail themselves of the hotel gym.

Please avail yourself of this opportunity.

Good to know

This use is formal. Use the right form after avail: yourself, himself, herself, or themselves.

Common phrases & grammar

avail yourself of something

verbformal

to help someone or produce a useful result

His apology availed him nothing.

Arguing will avail little.

Good to know

This meaning is formal and often appears with little or nothing.

Common phrases & grammar

avail someone nothing

avail little

Useful expressions

to no avail

without success or a useful result

She tried to call him, but to no avail.

of no avail

not useful or effective

The warning was of no avail.

avail yourself of

use or take advantage of something

You can avail yourself of the free Wi-Fi.

Related words & forms