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

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

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. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026