FRUITLESS Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fruitless

adjective

ˈfrüt-ləs

Definition of fruitless next

as in unsuccessful

producing no results this argument is totally fruitless, as neither of us will change our position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in barren

not able to produce fruit or offspring a stand of blighted, fruitless trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 But the letter appears to have been fruitless as the title went on to screen at Telluride Film Festival in August. —

Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2024 However, the Ninth Circuit later vacated a lower court injunction, and legal avenues for helping people whose TPS designation has expired might prove fruitless in a second Trump administration. —

Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Would the film, adapted from Rachel Yoder’s novel of the same name, be the vehicle to win Amy Adams an Oscar after six fruitless nominations? —

Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 Trying to coerce him into giving up is a fruitless exercise that just wastes lives and resources. —

Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fruitless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitless

Adjective

Attempts to reach Board of Elections officials about Ike's case Tuesday night were unsuccessful.

Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Multiple attempts by Newsweek for comment from the Maritime Sikh Society have been unsuccessful.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024