English Reference
Adjective

fruitful

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈfɹutfəɫ/ UK /fɹˈuːtfəl/ fruit·ful

adj.producing good or useful results. You use this to describe a meeting, a project, or a conversation that was successful and worth the effort.

adj.producing good or helpful results; productive. Often used to describe abstract concepts like discussions, collaborations, or periods of time.


SIMPLE

We had a very fruitful meeting this morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The two scientists began a fruitful collaboration that eventually led to a major breakthrough in renewable energy.

COMPLEX

While the initial negotiations were tense, they ultimately proved fruitful, resulting in a comprehensive trade agreement that benefited both nations for decades.

Usage

Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'prove', or 'become'.

The 42-year-old has shifted the way London City play and a host of new signings could prove fruitful in his system.

The Guardian· 30 Aug 2026

From Middle English fruitefull, equivalent to fruit + -ful. Compare Dutch vruchtvol, German fruchtvoll, Swedish fruktfull.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English fruitefull
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated