WordGarden.ioavail
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əvˈeɪl/
US
- /əˈveɪl/
Meanings
Noun
use, benefit, or helpful effect
Verb
to make use of something; take advantage of it
to help, benefit, or be of use
Beyond the definition
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things simply don't avail. This means they don't prove useful or effective. You will often hear this in the phrase "to no avail," describing a situation where hard work yields no success—like a sailor rowing against a hurricane. However, there is a brighter side: you can "avail yourself" of something, which means to take advantage of an opportunity. In other words, the word can describe both failure to help and the smart use of a chance.
The word avail carries a sense of weight and formality. At its heart, it asks whether something is effective or advantageous. While it is related to "available" and once meant "to be useful," they function differently today. You cannot be "avail," but you can certainly avail yourself of a situation.
The most common home for this word is the idiom "to no avail." This paints a picture of futile effort—trying hard but achieving nothing. A character in a Shakespeare play might lament that they fought against fate to no avail, meaning their struggle was useless.
Conversely, the reflexive form—"to avail oneself of"—is about seizing an advantage. If a company offers free training, you avail yourself of the offer to improve your skills. Thus, avail covers the spectrum of utility: from the tragic lack of results to the smart utilization of resources. It reminds us to ask: is this action actually doing any good?
Examples
- 1
Failed attempt
We knocked on the door for several minutes, but it was to no avail.
- Phraseto no avail
without any success
- 2
Unsuccessful efforts
The repair team tried everything, but their efforts were of no avail.
- 3
Hotel service
Hotel guests may avail themselves of the free airport shuttle.
- Patternavail yourself of + service/opportunity
use something that is offered to you
- 4
Campus support
If you need extra help, you should avail yourself of the support services on campus.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- to no avail
- of no avail
- of little avail
Word family
- available
- unavailing
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- availnounverb
Forms
- availedpast tenseverbnoun
- availing-ing formverbnoun
- availsverbnoun