avail

IPA: ʌvˈeɪɫ

Effect in achieving a goal or aim; purpose, use (now usually in negative constructions).
(now only US) Proceeds; profits from business transactions.
(television, advertising) An advertising slot or package.
(US, politics, journalism) A press avail.
(Britain, acting) Non-binding notice of availability for work.
(oil industry) A readily available stock of oil.
(obsolete) Benefit; value, profit; advantage toward success.
1895, Andrew Lang, A Monk of Fife:
(obsolete, poetic) Effort; striving.

(transitive, often reflexive) To turn to the advantage of.
(transitive) To be of service to.
(transitive) To promote; to assist.
(intransitive) To be of use or advantage; to answer or serve the purpose; to have strength, force, or efficacy sufficient to accomplish the object.
(India, Africa, elsewhere proscribed) To provide; to make available; to use or take advantage of (an opportunity or available resource).

(colloquial) Clipping of available. [Such as one may avail oneself of; capable of being used for the accomplishment of a purpose.]

Examples of "avail" in Sentences

Luna tries to hunt desert rabbits, to no avail, which is good.
You reported on the usage of the word avail as shorthand or shortspeak for availability.
I have you fast, and little will your sword avail you '; then followed loud blows against the wall.
Writers in England who argue for contribution in money ask: "Of what avail is the presence of a few cruisers in Canadian waters?"
When his power ceases to avail, that is when a stronger than he appears upon the scene, he is himself liable to be despoiled and killed.
257 In the text he tells of the whole story beginning with the eunuch and the hundred dinars, the chest, etc.: but — “of no avail is a twice-told tale.”
Of what avail is all that you have let me learn, all the Sanskrit and English and other things, an I am less able to help myself than the woman who grinds the corn for our daily bread?
During the meeting, the two officials agreed to assign a joint-team of specialists and technicians to draft a cooperation protocol enabling Yemen to avail from the Spanish experience in fisheries.
Jane writes to her sister: Charles has received £30 for his share in the privateer, and expects £10 more; but of what avail is it to take prizes if he lays out the produce in presents to his sisters?