futility

• Run around in circles

  To be busy doing things that achieve nothing or make no progress.

• Chase rainbows

  To pursue a goal that is impossible, impractical, or illusory, often leading to disappointment.

• What's the point

  This interrogative phrase is used to express a sense of futility, a lack of purpose, or a questioning of the value or relevance of an action or situation.

• Nothing can be done

  It expresses a state of helplessness or futility, indicating that no action or intervention can change an outcome or resolve a problem.

• Going in circles

  To repeatedly do or discuss something without making any progress or reaching a conclusion.

• It's a lost cause

  A situation or struggle that has no chance of success and is therefore pointless to continue.

• Like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall

  It describes a task that is incredibly difficult or impossible to accomplish because the subject is elusive, uncooperative, or lacks any stable form.

• All for naught

  To have exerted effort or resources without achieving any positive or desired outcome; to have been completely futile.

• Shouting into the void

  To make a statement, express an opinion, or exert effort that goes completely unheard, unacknowledged, or has no discernible impact.

• Chasing your tail

  To expend a lot of effort on tasks that are unproductive or lead nowhere.