struggle in vain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggle in vain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of making an effort without achieving any success or result. Example: "Despite their best efforts to resolve the issue, they found themselves struggling in vain against the overwhelming odds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is in those who set the pace and those who struggle in vain to keep up.

The New York Times - Sports

The government has barred Facebook and Twitter, leaving the former to struggle in vain to enter the biggest market it has yet to access.

The New Yorker

LONDON — As European governments struggle in vain to draw a line under the scandal over horsemeat being sold as beef, the affair seems only to be widening, in sometimes bizarre ways.

The New York Times

Disappointed with the lies and hypocrisies of the regime and tired of seeing my parents work and struggle in vain, I told my father I was ready to go with him to the United States when the time came.

The New York Times - Magazine

The leads do just fine as a couple who wake up to their stereotypical American Dream existence, then struggle in vain to escape it, but there's somehow not enough weight behind the story to do them justice.

The Guardian - Film

But in rare moments of lyricism she makes readers long for the momentary bloom of grass on the desert hills in spring and the pervasive smell of paraffin heaters in winter as they struggle in vain against the dense cold of Jerusalem stone.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

My brain struggles in vain to find meaning.

The Guardian

Having lost the delegate lead in February, Mrs. Clinton struggled in vain to recapture it.

The New York Times

The country's large trade deficit is a sign that local producers are struggling in vain against foreign competition.

The Economist

Mr. Yanayev died in near obscurity, crushed by a wave of history he struggled in vain to resist.

The New York Times

For his principal character, Munk often chose a dictator, or "strong man," whom he showed struggling in vain against God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struggle in vain" to convey a sense of futility and wasted effort, especially when describing efforts against overwhelming odds or impossible situations.

Common error

Avoid using "struggle in vain" when the effort was minimal or half-hearted. The phrase implies a significant, sustained effort that ultimately fails.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle in vain" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action performed by a subject, emphasizing the futility and lack of positive outcome despite considerable effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "struggle in vain" is a grammatically correct and useful verb phrase that describes an effort made without success. Ludwig AI confirms the same. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in several contexts, from News & Media to Encyclopedias to Science, to communicate a sense of disappointment and a lack of outcome despite effort. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage can enrich one's writing and allow for more effective communication. Be sure to avoid exaggerating situations where this phrase is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a futile attempt

This alternative directly states the attempt is pointless, highlighting the lack of potential for success.

fight a losing battle

This alternative emphasizes the conflict aspect and suggests a predetermined outcome of failure.

labor in futility

This alternative highlights the unproductive nature of the effort, emphasizing the lack of worthwhile results.

strive unsuccessfully

This alternative is straightforward, highlighting the absence of success despite considerable effort.

try without success

This alternative is more neutral and direct, lacking the sense of futility implied by "struggle".

exert oneself to no avail

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the personal effort expended without a positive outcome.

pursue a lost cause

This alternative suggests that the objective was unattainable from the beginning, highlighting the wasted effort.

attempt ineffectively

This alternative focuses on the inadequacy of the attempt, suggesting a lack of the necessary skills or resources.

flounder helplessly

This alternative brings out the aspect of lack of control and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

spin one's wheels

This is an idiom, meaning to expend effort without making progress.

FAQs

How can I use "struggle in vain" in a sentence?

You can use "struggle in vain" to describe someone making considerable effort without achieving the desired result, such as, "The team "struggled in vain" to overcome the technical difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "struggle in vain"?

Some alternatives include "fight a losing battle", "try without success", or "make a futile attempt". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "struggle in vain" or "struggle unsuccessfully"?

"Struggle in vain" implies a greater degree of futility and wasted effort compared to "struggle unsuccessfully". The former suggests the effort was inherently doomed, while the latter simply states the absence of success.

What is the difference between "struggle in vain" and "strive in vain"?

While both convey a lack of success, "struggle in vain" often implies facing greater resistance or more insurmountable obstacles than "strive in vain". "Strive" suggests earnest effort, but "struggle" indicates a more intense and challenging effort.