Synonyms of in vain

in vain

phrase

as in unsuccessful

producing no results

They did their best to fix the engine but their efforts were in vain.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsuccessful
• futile
• useless
• vain
• empty
• fruitless
• abortive
• impossible
• of no avail
• ineffective
• insufficient
• unavailing
• unprofitable
• unproductive
• ineffectual
• barren
• no dice
• worthless
• inadequate
• not worth the candle
• meaningless
• inefficacious
• profitless
• hopeless
• bootless
• pointless
• otiose
• lacking
• hollow
• idle
• valueless
• unattainable
• lost
• counterproductive
• no-win
• wanting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• successful
• effective
• efficient
• productive
• profitable
• deadly
• potent
• meaningful
• sufficient
• virtuous
• adequate
• worthwhile
• fruitful
• efficacious
• practical
• effectual
• applicable
• feasible
• functional
• practicable
• usable
• workable
• realizable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of in vain

As Liverpool battled in vain to find a late winner against Forest, Gakpo was as animated as anyone on the touchline after Rio Ngumoha came off the bench to replace him. — James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

The scar above the bridge of Calvin Throckmorton’s nose will not have formed in vain. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2026

Doesn't the drone have cameras or sensors to detect when someone is trying in vain to retrieve the payload? — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Even so, some readers will search in vain for a favorite singer or rapper. — John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Aug. 2026