Unfruitful: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to something that does not produce the desired results, particularly in relation to efforts or productivity. Commonly used in agricultural contexts or when describing efforts that yield no productive outcome.

• After many months of unfruitful attempts, the farmers had to come up with a new plan.
• Their collaboration proved to be unfruitful, leading to no significant progress.

Indicates that activities or efforts are not producing the expected outcomes, particularly in work or study contexts. It is often used to describe a lack of efficiency or usefulness.

• Our meeting today was unproductive, as we spent most of the time discussing irrelevant issues.
• Her unproductive research methods led to a significant delay in completing the project.

Used when talking about efforts or actions that fail to achieve the intended result, often carrying a sense of wasted time and effort. It can also imply a sense of hopelessness or futility.

• Despite her fruitless efforts to change his mind, he remained adamant.
• The search for survivors was tragically fruitless, leaving the rescue team devastated.

Describes something that fails to produce the intended or desired effect. Often used in professional, educational, and technical contexts, particularly to critique methods or strategies.

• The new policy was ineffective at reducing traffic congestion in the city.
• The medication proved to be ineffective against the new strain of virus.

Refers to attempts or efforts that did not achieve the intended goals. It is generally neutral but can imply disappointment or failure depending on the context.

• Their venture into the new market was ultimately unsuccessful due to lack of demand.
• Despite several tweaks to the design, the product launch was unsuccessful.

Usually used to describe efforts, tasks, or ventures that do not produce the desired results. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

• The meeting was unfruitful, as no decisions were made
• The unfruitful soil yielded very few crops this season

Primarily used in biological contexts to describe soil that cannot support plant growth or individuals (humans and animals) that cannot reproduce.

• The land is infertile and unsuitable for farming
• The couple struggled for years with infertility

Often describes land that cannot produce vegetation or be used for farming. It can also be metaphorically used to describe a lack of creativity or productivity.

• The desert is a barren landscape
• Her mind felt barren, devoid of any new ideas

Can refer to the inability to produce offspring in both humans and animals, or hygiene contexts where something is free from germs. It can also describe something that lacks vitality and interest.

• The hospital ensures all equipment is sterile
• The sterile debate provided no new insights

Describes activities, endeavors, or land that do not produce or yield good results, often implying a waste of time or resources.

• The team's unproductive day led to frustration
• The unproductive fields needed better management