in vain
phrase
1
: to no end : without success or result
her efforts were in vain
2
: in an irreverent or blasphemous manner
Being a religion writer, I have always tried to avoid using the Lord's name in vain. I have not always succeeded.—
Don Lattin
see also take in vain
Don LattinExamples of in vain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Dehydration can happen quickly as sweating continues in vain.
—
Victoria Forster,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“In vain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20vain. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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