avail
/əˈveɪl/ noun C2- Effect in achieving a goal or aim; purpose, use (now usually in negative constructions). · to no avail· I tried fixing it to no avail.
- Proceeds; profits from business transactions.
- An advertising slot or package.
- A press avail. · While holding an avail yesterday, the candidate lashed out at critics.
- A readily available stock of oil.
Plural avails
From the library
Even Diana’s efforts as a peacemaker were of no avail.
“My dear madam,” he replied, “this invitation is particularly gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as possible.”
I spent the whole of yesterday evening in making enquiries entirely without avail.
It was not until Lestrade succeeded in getting his hand inside his neckcloth and half-strangling him that we made him realize that his struggles were of no avail; and even then we felt no security until we had pinioned his feet as well as his hands.
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