Definition

In a way that does not produce good results or benefits.

Example

They worked unfruitfully for hours without making any progress.

Conversation

I tried to solve that puzzle last night but I worked on it unfruitfully for hours.

Oh no! That sounds frustrating.

Yeah, I was hoping to figure it out, but it just wasn't happening.

Maybe you need to take a break and come back to it later.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfruitfully → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "fruitful" (from Old English "fruhtfull", meaning producing fruit or beneficial). The word "unfruitfully" means not producing fruit or not yielding beneficial results.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') producing anything beneficial ('fruitful') — that's why unfruitfully means not yielding good results.

Visually Confused Words