futile attempt

It is not a "futile attempt to balance the books".

Often, it will make futile attempts to communicate with family members.

But he soon gave up the attempt; both futile and stupid.

What could lead them to certain death in the futile attempt to reach my presence?

After very futile attempts, Jay says she should write a book.

The French made futile attempts against it between 1551 and 1596.

These futile attempts at contact needed little of his attention.

Awaiting her is a fight for life and the almost futile attempt to return home.

He turned in a futile attempt to hear it again.

She kept blinking her eyes in a futile attempt to clear them.