Fruitless: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when efforts or actions do not produce the desired outcome or any significant results.

• After months of research, their fruitless attempts to cure the disease left them feeling defeated.
• Their search for the missing keys was fruitless.

Describes activities or periods that fail to yield meaningful results or output, often used in work or study contexts.

• The meeting was unproductive and didn't lead to any new decisions.
• His day was unproductive because he spent most of it waiting for an email response.

Often used in situations where actions are not only unsuccessful but also appear hopeless or impossible to succeed.

• It would be futile to argue with him since his mind is already made up.
• Her attempts to calm the crowd proved futile.

Refers to efforts, projects, or attempts that do not achieve the desired success or outcome.

• Despite their hard work, the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful.
• She made several unsuccessful attempts to climb the mountain.

Use when an effort or action does not achieve the desired results, often despite significant effort. It has a slightly poetic or literary feel.

• Their attempts to revive the old machine were ultimately fruitless.
• He spent months on a fruitless search for the missing document.

Applicable to wide range of attempts, ventures, or endeavours that fail to achieve their goals or objectives. It’s straightforward and neutral in tone.

• Their business venture was unsuccessful.
• Despite their efforts, the team's campaign was unsuccessful.

Used to describe activities, efforts, or periods of time that fail to yield results, especially in a work or educational context. It doesn't necessarily imply initial effort was substantial.

• The meeting was unproductive, and no decisions were made.
• She felt that her study session was unproductive because she couldn’t concentrate.

Best used when describing actions, methods, or tools that fail to produce the intended effect. It has a more formal and technical tone.

• The medication was ineffective against the disease.
• The new policy proved ineffective in reducing traffic congestion.