Meaning of In vain
Attempting something with no success.
In simple words: without success
In vain in a sentence
- She tried to convince him, but all her efforts were in vain.
- They searched for hours, but their efforts were in vain.
- He called her name in vain, hoping she would respond.
- The protest was in vain as the law was passed anyway.
How to use In vain
Typically used in contexts of effort or attempts that are unsuccessful. Avoid in overly formal writing.
Grammar pattern
standalone phrase
Memory hint
Think of a 'vain' person who always tries but never succeeds.
Related words
Collocations with In vain
- try in vain
- effort in vain
- seek in vain
Synonyms for In vain
- unsuccessfully
- without success
- to no avail
Opposites of In vain
Common mistakes with In vain
- 'In vein' is a common mishearing.
- Confusing it with 'in gain' which means the opposite.
- Using it when the effort is partially successful.
In vain appears in
In vain in other languages
More idioms like In vain
- For this to work
Conditions that must be met for something to be successful.
- CorrectionC1
a change that makes something more accurate than it was before
- The world is changed
A statement indicating significant changes in the world.
- I feel it in the water
I sense or perceive something through the water.
- I feel it in the earth
I perceive a sensation or emotion connected to the earth.
- I smell it in the air
Expresses intuition or foreknowledge about a situation.
People also search for
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Frequently asked questions about In vain
What does In vain mean?
without success
What is the definition of In vain?
Attempting something with no success.
How do you use In vain in a sentence?
She tried to convince him, but all her efforts were in vain.
Can you give another example of In vain?
They searched for hours, but their efforts were in vain.
What are synonyms for In vain?
Common alternatives include unsuccessfully, without success, to no avail.
What is the opposite of In vain?
Opposite meanings include successfully, effectively.
What words go with In vain?
It commonly pairs with try in vain, effort in vain, seek in vain.
What are common mistakes when using In vain?
'In vein' is a common mishearing. Confusing it with 'in gain' which means the opposite. Using it when the effort is partially successful.
How do you pronounce In vain?
US: //ɪn veɪn//, UK: //ɪn veɪn//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use In vain?
Typically used in contexts of effort or attempts that are unsuccessful. Avoid in overly formal writing.
