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

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

Dehydration can happen quickly as sweating continues in vain. — Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026