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.
But in the current instance, at least, they will look in vain: Nothing fundamental changed with gold on Friday to justify the day’s big decline.
From MarketWatch
She added that it was "very hard to sleep or eat. But we’re hanging in there," driven by hope that "the sacrifice of Iranians" will not be in vain.
From Barron's
I tried in vain to hear whether Mrs. Maroney was disclosing her secrets about her own wayward husband.
From Literature
China summons Japan's ambassador and demands -- in vain -- that Takaichi retract her remarks.
From Barron's
Boaz rose to his feet, trying in vain to wipe the dirt from his trouser legs and the sleeves of his sweatshirt.
From Literature
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
