in vain

phrase

Definition of in vainnext
as in unsuccessful
producing no results They did their best to fix the engine but their efforts were in vain.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of in vain Faculty and administrators are policing the classroom for AI, largely in vain, while also using AI liberally in their own work. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 But all of the effort is ultimately in vain, as every worker wasp will eventually perish from starvation or cold weather. — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2026 As Liverpool battled in vain to find a late winner against Forest, Gakpo was as animated as anyone on the touchline after Rio Ngumoha came off the bench to replace him. — James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The scar above the bridge of Calvin Throckmorton’s nose will not have formed in vain. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in vain

Browse Nearby Words

invading
in vain
invalid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In vain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/in%20vain. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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