Synonyms of fruitless

fruitless

adjective

ˈfrüt-ləs 

1

as in unsuccessful

producing no results

this argument is totally fruitless, as neither of us will change our position

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsuccessful
• futile
• useless
• unavailing
• vain
• abortive
• unprofitable
• unproductive
• in vain
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• impossible
• profitless
• worthless
• insufficient
• meaningless
• bootless
• of no avail
• barren
• pointless
• empty
• inadequate
• inefficacious
• not worth the candle
• otiose
• no dice
• valueless
• hollow
• lost
• idle
• hopeless
• lacking
• unattainable
• counterproductive
• no-win
• wanting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• successful
• effective
• efficient
• fruitful
• profitable
• productive
• virtuous
• deadly
• worthwhile
• meaningful
• potent
• sufficient
• adequate
• effectual
• efficacious
• practical
• feasible
• applicable
• functional
• workable
• usable
• practicable
• realizable

2

as in barren

not able to produce fruit or offspring

a stand of blighted, fruitless trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• barren
• sterile
• unfruitful
• impotent
• infertile
• sterilized
• altered
• unproductive
• emasculated
• neutered
• castrated
• desexed
• spayed
• gelded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fruitful
• productive
• fertile
• fat
• prolific
• rich
• luxuriant
• enriched
• pregnant
• fecund
• potent
• bearing
• impregnated
• producing
• yielding
• fertilized
• bursting
• flourishing
• blooming
• teeming
• swarming

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

Recent Examples of fruitless

After a year of fruitless meetings with investors and actors who universally dismissed the project, Hwang made the decision to bury the script in his computer and wait. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026

Those searches continue and appear to be fruitless for him because Jocelyn is still pregnant. —Marcelena Spencer, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

The idea of pushing for change in static news organizations from within seem fruitless. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026

Giddey gathered the ball and inbounded it to make another fruitless attempt to chip away at a double-digit deficit. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026