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

So far, this search has been frustratingly fruitless — but the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment may have finally caught a glimpse. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026

But Pleasants, who has been getting some one-on-one reps at left guard amid a so-far fruitless battle for that starting position, looked like the best option there against the Chargers. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

Around 1990, Opper and his partner George Christopulos, who died in 2017, were middle men during ultimately fruitless negotiations to bring the then-Los Angeles Raiders to Sacramento. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Admittedly, debating player rankings is a fruitless exercise. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026