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.
"When I'm working, I tell myself that those souls did not die in vain."
From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026
With each stride, I squirmed deeper into the Florsheims’ tapered toes in a vain effort to spare my chafing heels.
From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026
Again and again, women told me the same thing: it was nothing to do with being vain.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 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
He pounded in vain; no further reply came from the enchantresses, and even the window suddenly darkened with an impenetrable black fog.
From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander
Vocabulary lists containing vain
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" (1863)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
