unfruitful

adjective

un·​fruit·​ful ˌən-ˈfrüt-fəl How to pronounce unfruitful (audio)
Synonyms of unfruitfulnext
: not fruitful: such as
a
: not producing offspring : barren
b
: yielding no valuable result : unprofitable
an unfruitful conference
unfruitfully
ˌən-ˈfrüt-fə-lē How to pronounce unfruitful (audio)
adverb
unfruitfulness noun

Synonyms of unfruitful

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Examples of unfruitful in a Sentence

disappointed to discover that the mare was unfruitful
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But if those efforts are unfruitful, the property can be turned over to the state. — Addy Bink, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2025 Its lease had run out, and negotiations proved unfruitful. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Nov. 2025 Or that Salieri once masturbated over his beloved piano in an unfruitful attempt to cure his writer’s block. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 8 May 2026 The question of whether artificial intelligence is or can ever be conscious remains unclear, but that does not mean the investigations have so far proved unfruitful. — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfruitful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfruitful was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unfruitful

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Browse Nearby Words

unfrugal
unfruitful
unfruitfully
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Cite this Entry

“Unfruitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfruitful. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfruitful

adjective
un·​fruit·​ful ˌən-ˈfrüt-fəl How to pronounce unfruitful (audio)
1
: not bearing fruit or offspring
2
: not producing a desired result
unfruitful efforts

More from Merriam-Webster on unfruitful

Nglish: Translation of unfruitful for Spanish Speakers

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