noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
racing; idling; spinning without load
Literal mechanical sense: an engine or wheel turns without doing useful work, often because of lost traction or no load.
See also: 空回り
雪道でタイヤが空転して進めなかった。
The tires spun on the snowy road and we couldn't move forward.
エンジンが空転しているだけで、車は動かない。
The engine is just racing; the car isn't moving.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
going in circles; spinning one's wheels; getting nowhere
Figurative use: discussions, arguments, or efforts that repeat without progress. Often used with 議論, 話し合い, etc.
会議は空転するばかりで、何も決まらなかった。
The meeting just went in circles and nothing was decided.
同じ話の繰り返しで、議論が空転している。
The discussion is spinning its wheels, repeating the same points.