# fruitless

/ˈfɹutɫəs/ (US) · /fɹˈuːtləs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fruitless
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

failing to produce any useful results. You use this to describe work or efforts that do not achieve what you wanted.

For teachers: producing no useful or desired results; unsuccessful or unproductive. Often describes abstract efforts, searches, or discussions.

## Examples

- The search for the missing keys was fruitless.
- After hours of fruitless negotiation, both sides left the meeting without reaching an agreement.
- The scientists spent years on a fruitless quest for a cure before a sudden breakthrough in a different field changed their entire approach.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'prove' or 'remain' (e.g., 'the search proved fruitless').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.