in vain
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In vain, his lawyers and family members protested that the arrest had no legal basis and complained that Duterte's frail health was being neglected.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2025
In vain the kindly call: in vain The plate for which thou once wast fain At morn and noon and daylight’s wane, O King of mousers.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023
In vain Swann tries to account for Odette’s movements at all times of the day and night.
From Washington Post • Nov. 3, 2022
In vain: Mr Kerry won Pennsylvania, albeit by only 144,000 votes out of almost 5.8m cast.
From Economist • Oct. 18, 2012
In vain he tried to summon the proud resolve, the brave words he had planned last night.
From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
