Definition

Adverb 1. Without success; fruitlessly: Describes an action that is done but does not achieve the desired result or purpose. 2. In a way that is pointless or without real value: Describes an action that serves no useful purpose or is futile.

Usage

The phrase "in vain" is used to modify a verb, indicating that the effort or action described was unsuccessful or meaningless. It often carries a tone of disappointment or frustration.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The firefighters tried in vain to save the old building. (Their efforts were unsuccessful.)
  • She waited in vain for a reply that never came. (Her waiting was fruitless.)
  • He searched in vain for his lost keys. (The search did not achieve its goal.)

Advanced Usage

• "to die in vain": To die for a cause or reason that is not honored or that fails.
  • We must ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
• "to take someone's name in vain": To use a name, especially the name of God, disrespectfully or irreverently.
  • You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

Variants and Related Words

• Vainly (Adverb): In a vain manner; without success. This is the adverbial form of the adjective "vain" and is often synonymous with "in vain."
  • He vainly attempted to fix the broken machine.

Synonyms

• Fruitlessly
• Unsuccessfully
• To no avail
• Without success
• Futilely

Antonyms

• Successfully
• Effectively
• Fruitfully

Related Phrases

• In a futile attempt: As part of an effort that is incapable of producing any useful result.
  • They argued in a futile attempt to change his mind.

Adverb

1. to no avail
   • he looked for her in vain
   • the city fathers tried vainly to find a solution