不毛
Meanings
1
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
Describes land or soil that cannot support plant life; also used metaphorically for unproductive efforts.
This land is barren and cannot grow crops.
We wasted time on a fruitless discussion.
2
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
Used for discussions, efforts, or activities that yield no useful result; often with 議論, 努力, 争い.
A fruitless conflict should be ended quickly.
Usage patterns
- 不毛な議論a fruitless discussion that goes nowhere
The two of them kept up a fruitless argument for hours.
- 不毛な争いa pointless conflict with no winner or resolution
The two countries have repeated a pointless conflict for years.
- 〈事〉に終わるfor an effort or discussion to end fruitlessly
The negotiations ended fruitlessly.
Expressions
- 不毛の地barren land; sterile soil; wasteland