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 After some pressure by the Ducks on their second fruitless power play of the period, Vegas struck shorthanded. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 9 May 2026 After years of fruitless mediation, Guyana in 2018 asked ICJ judges to affirm the 1899 border decision. ABC News, 4 May 2026 Being on the winning side comes after five frustrating and fruitless trips to the postseason in the previous six years. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 1 May 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 See All Example Sentences for fruitless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitless
Adjective
  • Japanese police trudged through deep mud on Thursday in another unsuccessful day searching for a missing Auburn University student, who vanished after an argument with family over artificial intelligence.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • Efforts to reach Bronstein for comment on Stone’s claims were unsuccessful Thursday.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a barren free-agent class, though, that’s much easier said than done.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 June 2026
  • Called me barren and used up and all that.
    Jamil Jan Kochai, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • That was an appropriate response by Rockies fans when the Rockies mercifully moved on from futile general manager Bill Geivett and insufferable team president Greg Feasel.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
  • Any attempt to pin down the greatest men’s footballer is therefore futile at best and highly subjective at worst.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The sterile flies are irradiated and released en masse, designed to blanket a region experiencing an outbreak.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 7 June 2026
  • American officials are working to expand the use of sterile male screwworm flies to stop the parasites’ spread.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Radical approaches to what is precious and what is worthless—or appraisal—have always been more than the inversion of that which is useless made priceless, what was originally meant to be ephemeral made timeless.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Radio waves are nearly useless beneath the surface.
    Omar Kardoudi June 06, New Atlas, 6 June 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 8 Jun. 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