fruitless
UK: ˈfruːtləs | US: ˈfruːtləs
adj. 1. failing to achieve the desired results; unproductive or ineffective.
adj. 2. (literal) not bearing fruit (of a plant or tree).
The word "fruitless" combines "fruit" (from Old French "fruit," Latin "fructus," meaning "enjoyment or produce") with the suffix "-less" (Old English "-lēas," meaning "without"). Originally tied to agriculture ("without fruit"), it evolved metaphorically to describe efforts yielding no results. The logic mirrors physical barrenness applied to abstract outcomes.
The team's fruitless search for the missing documents lasted weeks.
Despite her fruitless attempts to convince him, he remained stubborn.
The old apple tree stood fruitless after years of drought.
Their negotiations proved fruitless, ending in disagreement.
A fruitless investment drained his savings without returns.