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

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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 Today, there are thornless, fruitless male cultivars available, including two of the best performers, ‘White Shield’ and ‘Wichita’. —

Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2024 For Cubans, even Biden’s move allowing Cuban entrepreneurs to open bank accounts in the U.S. has been fruitless. —

Orlando Matos, NBC News, 4 Sep. 2024 But most of those conversations have been fruitless in the early weeks of the network’s introduction to the market. —

Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2024 Previous efforts by the brothers and their attorneys to cut short their incarceration have been fruitless, but a new writ of habeas corpus citing new evidence is being considered by Dist. —

Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fruitless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitless

Adjective

However, the equipment has been unsuccessful in detecting the drones.

Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Stabilize leadership and prepare to scale down, S&P warns After CTU and CPS asking for more state funds earlier this year proved unsuccessful, new revenue from Springfield is unlikely, the S&P noted.

Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024