fruitless

fruit·less

adjective \ˈfrüt-ləs\

Definition of FRUITLESS

1

: unsuccessful <a fruitless attempt>

2

: lacking or not bearing fruit

— fruit·less·ly adverb

— fruit·less·ness noun

Examples of FRUITLESS

1. They made a fruitless attempt to find a solution.
2. It would be fruitless to continue.

First Known Use of FRUITLESS

14th century

Related to FRUITLESS

Synonyms

abortive, barren, bootless, empty, futile, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain

Antonyms

deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous

Related Words

hollow, idle, meaningless, pointless, valueless, worthless; hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable; inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting; counterproductive

Near Antonyms

meaningful, worthwhile; adequate, sufficient; applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable (also useable), workable

See Synonym Discussion at futile

Rhymes with FRUITLESS

bootless, rootless