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.

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

After hours of fruitless negotiations, a vote was ultimately called, with Cordano coming through two rounds, defeating candidates from Senegal and Pakistan.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

While the ex-love of my life was back with her ex-beau in Michigan enjoying Mackinac Island fudge, I was ready to bury all regret and rethink my vow over a fruitless bowl of steel-cut oats.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

After a minute of fruitless searching, she was simultaneously relieved and disappointed.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir