What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
failed
Example
I failed my driving test for the third time. [failed: verb]
Example
The company's attempt to expand into international markets failed miserably. [failed: adjective]
fruitless
Example
The police conducted a fruitless search for the missing hiker. [fruitless: adjective]
Example
Trying to convince him to change his mind was a fruitless effort. [fruitless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Failed is more commonly used than fruitless in everyday language. Failed is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fruitless is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between failed and fruitless?
Fruitless is more formal than failed and is typically used in more serious or professional contexts. Failed can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
