vain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“To know that it may all have been in vain is heartbreaking,” Mbara said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
At the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, the staff tried in vain to save the program.
From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026
The last few hours were all in vain.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
"Many people asked me to ignore it, others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just 'play football'," Vinicius said in a post on X.
From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026
Afterward, Leah referred to Elisha as “a vain, pompous little man” and worried about his fascination with her teenage sister.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
![]()
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.