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

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

After an in-store search and police investigation proved fruitless, a mutual friend helped John reach then-Good Morning America host David Hartman. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

The parents of a 4-year-old girl killed and disposed of their daughter's remains before reporting her missing, setting off a huge and fruitless search in South Carolina to bring her home alive, authorities said while announcing criminal charges. — Joe Hotchkiss, USA Today, 10 July 2026