in vain
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.
Filipino fans formed unmoving lines, hoping in vain to squeeze into the ludicrously limited capacity of Court 6 just to catch a glimpse of her main draw debut.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026
Speaking of trillion-dollar leprechauns, you will hunt through all 545 pages in vain for those big “DOGE” savings you were promised.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026
The Rays say the answer to their problems is a new stadium, and they have been trying in vain to turn that dream into a reality for 20 years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
"However, their efforts were in vain because Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill placed her fingers on the scales of justice, thereby denying Murdaugh his right to a fair trial by an impartial jury."
From BBC ● May 13, 2026
Frodo was restless and anxious, listening in vain for a sound of Gandalf.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
