in vain

Also found in: Idioms

0.01 sec.

vain (v

adj. vain·er, vain·est

1. Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless: a vain attempt.

2. Lacking substance or worth: vain talk.

3. Excessively proud of one's appearance or accomplishments; conceited.

4. Archaic Foolish.

Idiom:

in vain

1. To no avail; without success: Our labor was in vain.

2. In an irreverent or disrespectful manner: took the Lord's name in vain.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin vnus, empty; see eu- in Indo-European roots.]

vainly adv.

vainness n.

Synonyms: vain, empty, hollow, idle, nugatory, otiose
These adjectives mean lacking value or substance: vain regrets; empty pleasures; hollow threats; idle dreams; nugatory commentaries; an otiose belief in alchemy. See Also Synonyms at futile.

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Adv.

in vain - to no avail; "he looked for her in vain"; "the city fathers tried vainly to find a solution"

vainly

How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.

?Page tools

Printer friendly
Cite / link
Email

Feedback
Add definition

? Mentioned in

? References in classic literature

conceited
For vain
fruitless
futile
idle

vain
vainly
Vainness
vanity

In vain did we count the tedious moments of his absence--in vain did we weep--in vain even did we sigh--no Edward returned--.

Love and Friendship by Austen, Jane View in context

It was in vain that Cedric's cupbearer looked around for his young master---he saw the bloody spot on which he had lately sunk down, but himself he saw no longer; it seemed as if the fairies had conveyed him from the spot.

Ivanhoe by Scott, Walter View in context

In vain he described the bird to his attendants, who rushed at his first call; in vain they sought the wonderful creature both on horse and foot, and summoned the fowlers to their aid: the bird could nowhere be found.

The Yellow Fairy Book by Lang, Andrew View in context

More results

Dictionary/thesaurus browser

? Full browser

In twain
In two
in two ways
in unison
in use
in utero
in vacuo
in vain
in velvet
in vino veritas
In virtue of
in vitro
in vitro fertilization
in vivo
in vogue

Dictionary, Thesaurus, and Translations

Free Tools:	For surfers: Free toolbar & extensions \| Word of the Day \| Help For webmasters: Free content \| Linking \| Lookup box \| Double-click lookup \| Partner with us

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Terms of Use.