FRUITLESS Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fruitless

adjective

ˈfrüt-ləs

Definition of fruitless next

as in unsuccessful

producing no results this argument is totally fruitless, as neither of us will change our position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in barren

not able to produce fruit or offspring a stand of blighted, fruitless trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The official search lasted for more than two weeks but proved fruitless. —

Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024 However, Solana is looking like the cool kid on the blockchain right now, so this ethereum play might prove fruitless. —

Clem Chambers, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 How to remove wallpaper that has been painted over: If wallpaper has been painted over, sometimes the water solution treatment or steaming often recommended for removal proves fruitless. —

Anna Kaufman, The Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2024 Photo: Lindsey Shorter After multiple fruitless trips to New York bridal stores and experimenting with different shades of dusty blue and pink tulle, Alemany saw the wedding of Alexa Buckley (a friend and former colleague) on Vogue and was reminded of Mark Ingram’s designs. —

Florence O'Connor, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fruitless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitless

Adjective

Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and Walnut Grove Fire District personnel searched that first night from the air and aboard boats equipped with sonar and powerful magnets to detect the submerged vehicle but were unsuccessful.

— Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025
Similar motions to the bills—known as HB 1400 and HB 0039—have previously been filed but were unsuccessful, meaning the outcome of the measures is unclear, per WGN9.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025