labored in vain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "labored in vain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that efforts or work have been made without achieving the desired result or outcome. Example: "Despite all the hours spent on the project, we realized that we had labored in vain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In 1955, seven writers, including Ben Hecht, labored, in vain, on the klutzy "Ulysses".

The New Yorker

Democrats labored in vain to honor Congress's original promises and to defend the environment.

The New York Times

For decades, and probably far longer, teachers at even the most rigorous high schools have labored in vain seeking just such a moment -- to find a way to make the winding, Elizabethan verses of William Shakespeare accessible and meaningful to teen-agers.

The New York Times

MARRAKESH, Morocco — For the last seven months, the Obama administration has labored in vain to bring the Israelis and the Palestinians together, pushing for a loose quid pro quo under which Israel would freeze construction of Jewish settlements while its Arab neighbors undertook diplomatic steps to bolster Israel's confidence in its security.

The New York Times

But the ideas they embody seem to have been fairly banal, and they represent a distinct narrowing of his imagination in comparison with "Little Nemo" (which he tried to revive, without success, during the 20's) or the "Rarebit Fiend". It was only in comic strips that he was able to achieve visual poetry, and the surreal effects for which more self-conscious surrealists have often labored in vain.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They rail in vain.

The Economist

A wish in vain.

The New York Times

But in vain.

The New York Times

Parker chased in vain.

Independent

It was in vain.

The Guardian

We screamed in vain.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "labored in vain" to describe situations where significant effort was expended, but the desired outcome was not achieved. It adds a touch of somber reflection to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "labored in vain" to describe tasks that require minimal effort. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving substantial work and ultimate disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "labored in vain" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to modify a verb or clause, indicating the manner in which an action was performed. Ludwig provides examples where it describes unsuccessful endeavors across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "labored in vain" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe efforts that ultimately yield no positive results. While Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is not a very common phrase, it is found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. The phrase, primarily utilized in News & Media and Academic contexts, conveys a sense of disappointment or wasted effort. Consider alternatives like "worked fruitlessly" or "toiled in futility" depending on the desired nuance. Remember that "labored in vain" is most effective when describing significant efforts that have been unsuccessful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toiled in futility

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the inherent pointlessness.

worked fruitlessly

Focuses on the lack of positive outcome from the work done.

worked without success

Emphasizes the absence of a successful result despite effort.

struggled unsuccessfully

Highlights the difficulty and lack of success in the endeavor.

tried without result

Simple and direct, indicating effort that yielded no outcome.

exerted effort to no avail

More formal, emphasizing the wasted effort.

strove without achieving

Highlights the attempt and the subsequent failure to reach a goal.

applied oneself ineffectively

Focuses on the inefficiency of the effort applied.

spent effort uselessly

Emphasizes the wasteful nature of the effort.

poured energy down the drain

Idiomatic expression indicating completely wasted energy.

FAQs

What does "labored in vain" mean?

The phrase "labored in vain" means to work or exert effort without achieving the desired result or outcome. It implies that the work was ultimately fruitless or unsuccessful.

Are there any synonyms for "labored in vain"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "worked fruitlessly", "toiled in futility", or "worked without success" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "labored in vain"?

The phrase "labored in vain" is relatively formal and may be best suited for written or more serious spoken contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.

Can you provide an example sentence using "labored in vain"?

Despite all the hours spent on the project, we realized that we had "labored in vain", as the market conditions had changed drastically.