vain attempt
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Henry Joy McCracken, the leader of the United Irishmen, was brought there by his sister, anti-slavery campaigner Mary Ann McCracken, in a vain attempt to revive him after his public hanging for treason in 1798.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2024
Wertz called several draft-age men in a vain attempt to prove the speech discouraged registration.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 1, 2023
Geno Smith threw an interception on a vain attempt to Tyler Lockett.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 25, 2022
When their dogs realize they are being left behind, they “set up a dismal howl,” leaping into the icy waters of the Mississippi in a vain attempt to follow.
From New York Times ● Apr. 5, 2021
Matt leaned one way and Chacho leaned the other in a vain attempt to escape the smell.
From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer
