fruitless
Their efforts to negotiate a peace deal were fruitless.
Their attempts to reach an agreement failed completely.
Producing no useful result; unsuccessful.
The investigation proved fruitless after months of work.
The investigation yielded no useful information despite extensive effort.
All her attempts to contact him were fruitless.
She could not reach him despite trying multiple times.
Often used to describe efforts, attempts, or endeavors that do not achieve their intended outcome.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid confusing 'fruitless' with 'fruitful'
'Fruitless' means unsuccessful, while 'fruitful' means productive or successful. Remember: 'fruitless' has the suffix '-less' (without), indicating a lack of results.
Gold Rule
Use 'fruitless' for efforts, not people
Correct: 'Their efforts were fruitless.' Incorrect: 'He is a fruitless person.' Use 'unsuccessful' or 'ineffective' for describing people.
Word Origin
From Middle English *fruitles*, from Old English *frȳtleas* ('without fruit, barren'), equivalent to *fruit* + *-less*. Cognate with Dutch *vruchteloos*, German *fruchtlos*, and Old Norse *frjósamr* ('fruitful').
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal contexts to describe efforts or actions that do not produce the desired result. Avoid using it to describe people (e.g., do not say 'a fruitless person').