Avail: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：be useful (avail)

avail 🔊

/əˈveɪl/

vt.

To be helpful or useful to someone or something, often used in formal or negative contexts.

Avail meaning illustrated: frustrated businessperson with error screen, symbolizing lack of benefit.

be useful 🔊

➕

/bi ˈjuːsfʊl/

vt.

To serve a purpose, be of benefit, or have a helpful effect, particularly in formal writing or when describing something's failure to produce a desired result.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'valoir' (to be worth), ultimately from Latin 'valere' (to be strong, be worth).

💡 Mnemonic

A-VAIL: A Very Able Individual Lends help. The 'vail' part sounds like 'value'.

📖 Example

The latest software update did not avail the company, as customers still complained about many bugs. 🔊 The newest software release failed to benefit the company; customer complaints about numerous glitches persisted.

🔗 Collocations

avail oneself of – To take advantage of or make use of an opportunity or resource.

to no avail – Without success; achieving nothing.

of little avail – Of little or no use or help.

🔄 Synonyms

benefit (vt.) – To be advantageous or provide a positive effect.

help (vt.) – To make it easier for someone to do something or improve a situation.

serve (vt.) – To fulfill a purpose or be useful for a specific need.

🚫 Antonyms

hinder (vt.) – To create difficulties that delay or obstruct progress.

harm (vt.) – To cause damage or injury, making a situation worse.

impede (vt.) – To delay or prevent by creating an obstacle.

🌱 Derivatives

available (adj.) – Able to be used or obtained; accessible.

availability (n.) – The quality of being at hand or ready for use.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'avail' entered English from French in the late Middle Ages, carrying a strong sense of 'having value or worth'. It often appears in formal, legal, or negative contexts, such as 'to no avail', emphasizing futility.