in vain

phrase

1

: to no end : without success or result

her efforts were in vain

2

: in an irreverent or blasphemous manner

Being a religion writer, I have always tried to avoid using the Lord's name in vain. I have not always succeeded.

—Don Lattin

see also take in vain

Examples of in vain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jude Bellingham’s two goals on Saturday in England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matchup against Norway were certainly not in vain. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026

The announcement came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan's capital, Quetta, and told the families of 42 people killed in the attacks that their sacrifices were not in vain and those responsible would be brought to justice. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

For hours every day, the husky, howling piteously, would try in vain to leap the walls of his prison. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

The opposition’s dilemma is exemplified by one of its most prominent leaders, Nobel Peace laureate María Corina Machado, who has tried in vain to enter Venezuela since the earthquakes. — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Rhymes for in vain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign