to be of use or advantage; to help or benefit, to use or take advantage of an opportunity or available resource

to little/no avail, to avail oneself of something, to no avail

Formal and Informal Expressions of avail

In different contexts, you can replace 'avail' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'benefit, assist' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'help out, come in handy' is a commonplace synonym.

avail: Explore its Definition & Usage

avail Definition

1to be of use or advantage; to help or benefit
2to use or take advantage of an opportunity or available resource

Using avail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "avail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
All my efforts were of no avail.
Example
He tried to avail himself of the available resources.
Example
She availed herself of the opportunity to study abroad.
Example
The company offered discounts to avail customers.

avail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for avail

Antonyms for avail

Phrases with avail

to little/no avail
with little or no success or benefit
Example
He tried to fix the computer, but to little avail.
to avail oneself of something
to use or take advantage of something that is available
Example
She availed herself of the opportunity to travel abroad.
to no avail
with no success or benefit
Example
He tried to find his lost keys, but to no avail.

Origins of avail

from Old French 'avaler', meaning 'to make use of'

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Summary: avail in Brief

'Avail' [əˈveɪl] means to be of use or advantage, or to use or take advantage of an opportunity or available resource. It is often used in phrases like 'to little/no avail,' indicating little or no success or benefit, and 'to avail oneself of something,' meaning to use or take advantage of something that is available. Synonyms for 'avail' include 'benefit,' 'profit,' and 'assist.'