fruitlessness

noun

as in barrenness

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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 fruitlessness But one series with four minutes remaining highlighted the fruitlessness of this effort. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitlessness
  1. barrenness
  2. ineffectiveness
  3. unprofitability
  4. ineffectuality
  5. vanity
  6. inefficacy
  7. emptiness
  8. hopelessness
Noun
  • But many assumptions that Stratos’ investors or Utah politicians might have had about Box Elder County – about either the acquiescence of its people or the barrenness of its landscape – have been proved wrong over the past few months.
    — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Shunammite, once so determined to get her period, is staring down the possibility of barrenness and, in Gilead, that means spinsterhood.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026
Definition of barrenness
Noun
  • What readers are saying The comments express strong opposition to capital punishment, particularly highlighting the botched execution of Christa Pike as an example of its cruelty and ineffectiveness.
    — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, September continued to showcase the club’s ineffectiveness at the plate.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of ineffectiveness
Noun
  • There was a significant swing from unprofitability to profitability at the group, driven by a strong last quarter.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • However, ​entrepreneurs who take a more conservative growth approach with their startups are less likely to align with investors who have a low tolerance for prolonged unprofitability.
    — Richard Ceffalio, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of unprofitability
Noun
  • In fact, Mike’s frustration at his own ineffectuality seems to be what’s at least partly destroying his public image.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Caroline’s anguish and her ineffectuality at making progress in finding Gabriel make for some frustrating moments as a reader.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Definition of ineffectuality
Noun
  • The primary suite comes with its own fireplace, walk-in closet and a spa bathroom with a soaking tub, dual vanities and a separate shower.
    — Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But for a complexion that suddenly looks lifted, contoured, and a few years younger, Le Lift Crème Riche gets priority space in our vanities.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • Columnist Tom Philp argued that her situation demonstrated the inefficacy of California’s mental health and CARE Court system, which cannot force participants into treatment.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The impunity of the powerful was measured by the inefficacy of the outraged.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of inefficacy
Noun
  • Carson’s account of desire helps explain why this creed leads to two kinds of emptiness.
    — Stacy Keltner, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Such stylish emptiness is daunting, and one doesn’t envy those who are now being encouraged to try it on for size.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of emptiness
Noun
  • These were long, agonizing deaths marked by intolerable pain and hopelessness.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Symptoms can be similar to depression, and can include persistent feelings of hopelessness or pessimism and difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of hopelessness

Browse Nearby Words

fruitless
fruitlessness
fruits
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Cite this Entry

“Fruitlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fruitlessness. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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