fruitless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though seeking only feedback, not bids, and not backed by funding, the notice buoyed the hopes of activists who have engaged in a long and so-far fruitless effort to bring the chapel back to life.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Male jewel beetles, having evolved to respond to the exciting sight, are known to mistake orange peels for potential mates and die in a fruitless attempt to impregnate them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Other members of his sales team burned out on fruitless cold calls, but McDermott said he would skip leisurely, expensive lunches with co-workers to pack in more calls and sales meetings.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Mediation efforts, however, have so far proved fruitless.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

All my brothers’ attempts to find out were fruitless.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston