UNFRUITFUL Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

unfruitful

adjective

ˌən-ˈfrüt-fəl

Definition of unfruitful

as in sterile

not able to produce fruit or offspring disappointed to discover that the mare was unfruitful

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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.

Recent Examples of unfruitful But if those efforts are unfruitful, the property can be turned over to the state. — Addy Bink, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2025 Mitchell spent 10 years preaching, racking up unfruitful notes from church growth conferences, and eventually started struggling with depression. — Charlotte Kramon, Fortune, 7 Dec. 2025 Its lease had run out, and negotiations proved unfruitful. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Nov. 2025 That’s one investment that has proved rather unfruitful so far, although things appear to be looking up for WBD investors currently with company on the auction block and simultaneously preparing to separate its cable operations and studios/streaming into to companies. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfruitful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfruitful

Adjective

The second stories house supplies of the metals, films, and components needed, as well as a very substantial set of HVAC equipment to keep the processes sterile, dust-free, and at the right temperature.

— John Voelcker, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
Right now yeast fermentation is the standard method of producing heme (as leghemoglobin), but the sterile environment and industrial equipment necessary for manufacturing can be pricey.

— Lila Magbilang, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sterile

Adjective

Centered on the town of Bawiti, this remote depression in Egypt’s Western Desert is surrounded by barren hills, date palms, hot springs and sweeping desert landscapes.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2026
In Samuel Beckett's tragicomedy, two men wait beside a barren tree for someone called Godot who never arrives.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of barren

Adjective

Toward the end of a long, fruitless pitch meeting with a gaggle of writer-animators, Nickelodeon executive Mary Harrington put on Bartlett’s show reel.

— Darryn King, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
That often seems even more impossible, and fruitless, than doing a tango to explain, say, the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of fruitless

Browse Nearby Words

unfrozen

unfruitful

unfulfilled

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“Unfruitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfruitful. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfruitful

adjective

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