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

Martinez didn’t allow another knock until Wilyer Abreu’s fruitless leadoff single in the seventh. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026

After a fruitless search, Walls took the little girl to a nearby fire station and called the police. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

Bitonio also had a front-row seat to the Browns’ fruitless quest to find a franchise quarterback. —ABC News, 9 June 2026

Patients taken to court described baffling bills, confusing health plan rules, and frustrating and fruitless telephone calls to hospital billing offices and health insurers’ customer-service lines. —Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2026