vain effort

USAGE SUMMARY

'vain effort' is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it can be used to refer to an attempt that is doomed to fail or has failed already.
Example sentence: Despite my vain efforts to repair it, the car engine wouldn't start.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a rudimentary and ultimately vain effort to save their town.

The New York Times

In a vain effort to divert attention from their lapse, they rely on cute props.

The New York Times

As it unfolds we realize she had the lute stolen in a vain effort to conceal her past from Elis.

The New York Times - Arts

"I've lost my lower register," he said, clearing his throat in a vain effort to regain his Tobacco Road pitch.

The New Yorker

To this end, he made a vain effort to reinstate the simple martial virtues of the early Tokugawa period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a vain effort to prevent the revolt, he sailed for Ireland on April 12 in a German submarine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And he allowed his own reputation to be ruined in a vain effort to save Mr. Edwards from embarrassment.

The New York Times - Books

Mexico's players gathered around match officials pointing to the stadium screens in a vain effort to have the goal nullified.

The New York Times - Sports

There, the government has been forced to mobilise the army in a vain effort to combat poachers.

The Guardian

They swapped bad contracts for worse ones in a vain effort to stay competitive and marketable without enduring the pain of a true rebuilding effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Around him, some people caroused, while others wrapped pashmina scarves around their heads in a vain effort to drown out the noise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "vain effort" with strong verbs to highlight the futility of the action. For example, "He launched a vain effort to save the company."

Common error

Avoid using "vain effort" when the outcome is still uncertain. The phrase implies a known or highly probable failure, so it's inappropriate for situations where success is still possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vain effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes an attempt characterized by its ultimate lack of success. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vain effort" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase signifying an attempt that is ultimately unsuccessful. Ludwig AI confirms this and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal writing, and it commonly appears in news media, encyclopedias, and academic publications. Semantically similar phrases include "futile attempt" and "unsuccessful endeavor", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using "vain effort", remember that it implies a known or highly probable failure, adding a layer of irony or resignation to the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

futile attempt

Replaces "vain" with "futile", highlighting the pointlessness of the action.

fruitless attempt

Replaces "effort" with "attempt", emphasizing the act of trying while maintaining the sense of futility.

doomed attempt

Highlights the inevitable failure of the effort.

unsuccessful endeavor

Substitutes both "vain" and "effort" with synonyms, offering a more formal tone.

hopeless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of hope for success from the outset.

abortive attempt

Suggests an attempt that fails to reach completion or fruition.

pointless exercise

Shifts the focus to the activity itself being without purpose or value.

ineffectual measure

Focuses on the ineffectiveness of the action taken.

futile gesture

Suggests the action is symbolic but ultimately meaningless.

lost cause

Implies the effort is wasted on something that cannot be saved or achieved.

FAQs

What does "vain effort" mean?

A "vain effort" refers to an attempt or endeavor that is ultimately unsuccessful or produces no worthwhile result, despite the effort invested. It implies futility.

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

You can use "vain effort" to describe someone's attempt at something that is either known to be impossible or has already failed. For example, "Despite his "fruitless attempt", the team still lost the game."

What are some alternatives to "vain effort"?

Some alternatives to "vain effort" include "futile attempt", "unsuccessful endeavor", or "pointless exercise". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "vain effort" a formal or informal phrase?

"Vain effort" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical or jargon-heavy, it maintains a level of sophistication appropriate for news reporting, academic writing, and general conversation.