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Definitions

in vain

ADJECTIVE
fruitless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abortive futile ineffective ineffectual pointless unproductive unsuccessful useless
WEAK
barren empty gainless idle infertile profitless spinning one's wheels sterile to no avail to no effect unavailable unavailing unfruitful unprofitable unprolific vain
Antonyms
STRONGEST
effective effectual fruitful productive profitable
WEAK
copious plentiful potent successful useful
ADJECTIVE
futile
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fruitless hollow impractical ineffective ineffectual insufficient trivial unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful useless vain worthless
WEAK
abortive barren bootless delusive empty exhausted forlorn idle impracticable no dice nugatory on a treadmill otiose out the window profitless resultless save one's breath sterile to no avail to no effect to no purpose trifling unavailing unimportant unneeded unreal unsatisfactory unsubstantial valueless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
effective fruitful helpful productive profitable successful useful valuable worthwhile
WEAK
hopeful
ADJECTIVE
unavailing
Synonyms
WEAK
barren empty exhausted fruitless idle impractical ineffective ineffectual on a treadmill save one's breath to no avail to no effect to no purpose trifling trivial unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful useless vain valueless worthless

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.

“To know that it may all have been in vain is heartbreaking,” Mbara said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

At the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, the staff tried in vain to save the program.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

The Pentagon has since tried in vain to demote his military rank and a grand jury have declined to charge him with seditious conspiracy.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Doncic and James made sure the 15-point lead the Lakers held before it dissolved by the end of the third quarter wasn’t completely achieved in vain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2026

Pita tugged at her wet shirt, squeezing out the water and pressing it down over her round belly to smooth it out, while Velia and Delia tried in vain to straighten out each other’s clothes.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall