from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fruitless \Fruit"less\, a.
1. Lacking, or not bearing, fruit; barren; destitute of
offspring; as, a fruitless tree or shrub; a fruitless
marriage. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. Productive of no advantage or good effect; vain; idle;
useless; unprofitable; as, a fruitless attempt; a
fruitless controversy.
[1913 Webster]
They in mutual accusation spent
The fruitless hours. --Milton.
Syn: Useless; barren; unprofitable; abortive; ineffectual;
vain; idle; profitless. See {Useless}. --
{Fruit"less*ly}, adv. -- {Fruit"lness*ness}, n.
[1913 Webster]