English · Word Candidate

avail

/əˈveɪl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: avails · availing · availed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To turn to the advantage of.

Verb

I availed myself of the opportunity.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To be of service to.

Verb

Artifices will not avail the sinner in the day of judgment.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Effect in achieving a goal or aim; purpose, use (now usually in negative constructions).

Noun

I tried fixing it to no avail.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Proceeds; profits from business transactions.

NounRegister: US

the avails of their own industry

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “avail” mean?

To turn to the advantage of.

Is “avail” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.