Definition of fruitlessnext

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 Rowland-Smith quickly learned that asking Bazzana how his day went was a fruitless endeavor. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 But the Padres hitters, who did have some long but fruitless at-bats, also missed on some pitches. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 Predicting their draft leanings is often a fruitless endeavor, for the media and for players themselves. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 After about two hours of fruitless searching, Espinoza took Horner to the Wise County Jail for an interview. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fruitless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitless
Adjective
  • Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob said his unsuccessful bid to buy the San Diego Padres assumed that the entire 2027 MLB season would likely be lost due to labor strife.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
  • The assailant stabbed the pope with a bayonet, but the assassination attempt was unsuccessful.
    USA Today, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • This seemingly barren landscape is home to a diverse array of hardy wildflowers and desert animals.
    Hali Smith May 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Since efforts to end the war began, Trump has frequently switched between publicly projecting progress and dismissing the talks as futile.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 May 2026
  • But although resistance is similarly futile, their goals are less about assimilation than worshipping the obsessive Grant's wife, Starla (Elizabeth Banks).
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to this logic, a tetraploid crossed with a diploid watermelon would yield a triploid plant that would be sterile, and this is how seedless watermelons came to be.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
  • For the healthcare industry, the shortage of polypropylene and PVC limits the availability of syringes, IV bags and sterile packaging.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • But at a certain point in adulthood, prayer began to feel useless to me.
    Terry Ward, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
  • From certain side sections, the rear screen was nearly useless.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Or that Salieri once masturbated over his beloved piano in an unfruitful attempt to cure his writer’s block.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
  • After an unfruitful weekend of bargaining, Natomas educators are preparing to strike Tuesday as district leaders ready themselves to keep schools open for around 17,000 students without classroom teachers.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fruitless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fruitless. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fruitless

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster