Definition of fruitlessnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fruitless different from other adjectives like it?

The words futile and vain are common synonyms of fruitless. While all three words mean "producing no result," fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment.

fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace

When might futile be a better fit than fruitless?

The words futile and fruitless are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking.

resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left

When can vain be used instead of fruitless?

The words vain and fruitless can be used in similar contexts, but vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result.

a vain attempt to get the car started

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fruitless Being on the winning side comes after five frustrating and fruitless trips to the postseason in the previous six years. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026 Rowland-Smith quickly learned that asking Bazzana how his day went was a fruitless endeavor. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 But the Padres hitters, who did have some long but fruitless at-bats, also missed on some pitches. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 Predicting their draft leanings is often a fruitless endeavor, for the media and for players themselves. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fruitless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitless
Adjective
  • Attempts to interview him were unsuccessful.
    Sierra van der Brug, Daily News, 28 May 2026
  • Trump has denied Carroll’s allegations against him and tried to appeal both verdicts but has been unsuccessful in both cases, putting him on the verge of having to pay out millions.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The beer aisles in the surrounding supermarkets were barren, pubs were packed and the streets flooded.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
  • The summit is a barren ash field, gray and treeless, scoured by sulfuric gas and acidic rain that burns whatever tries to grow.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • The series follows an upstanding family man who spirals into a life of crime after killing someone in a bicycle accident, driven by the noble but futile goal of never hurting anyone ever again.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 May 2026
  • But this story has a happier, less futile ending.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Living in a sterile condo in London after scoring big-time with online stock warrants, Rian feels out of touch with his posh new surroundings.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026
  • The clinic provides its services in a modern facility with 25 treatment and operating rooms equipped with advanced technology in a sterile environment.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • But keep it simple; detailed information is useless if children can’t digest it.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • The code would typically write data to illicit access cards in such a way that the cards failed security checks and became useless for piracy.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Or that Salieri once masturbated over his beloved piano in an unfruitful attempt to cure his writer’s block.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
  • After an unfruitful weekend of bargaining, Natomas educators are preparing to strike Tuesday as district leaders ready themselves to keep schools open for around 17,000 students without classroom teachers.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fruitless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fruitless. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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