Fruitless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fruitless

[ˈfruːtləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in gardening

Fruitless means not producing fruit or results; unproductive.

Synonyms

futile, unproductive, unsuccessful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fruitless	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.
unproductive	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.
futile	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.
unsuccessful	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.

Examples of usage

Despite their efforts, the fruitless tree never bore any fruit.
Their fruitless attempts to find a solution only led to more frustration.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in general

Fruitless can also mean lacking in success; unsuccessful.

Synonyms

ineffective, unproductive, unsuccessful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fruitless	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.
unsuccessful	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.
unproductive	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.
ineffective	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.

Examples of usage

Their fruitless search for the lost keys left them feeling defeated.
The negotiations proved to be fruitless as neither side was willing to compromise.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'fruitless'

The word 'fruitless' dates back to the late 14th century, derived from the Middle English word 'frutelles.' It combines the word 'fruit' with the suffix '-less,' meaning without. Originally used in the context of gardening to describe trees that did not bear fruit, it later expanded to signify lack of success or results in a broader sense.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,848, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12845 thoughtfully
12846 colossal
12847 relinquish
12848 fruitless
12849 filtrate
12850 visionary
12851 famed
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