vain hope

USAGE SUMMARY

"vain hope" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an unrealistic expectation that something will happen, especially when it is unlikely to happen. For example, "The soldiers had a vain hope that the war would end soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Sports

Business

Lifestyle

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vain hope!

Independent

That's a vain hope.

The New York Times

This isn't vain hope.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a vain hope.

The New York Times - Sports

It may be a vain hope.

The Economist

That, alas, seems a vain hope.

The Economist

This proved a largely vain hope.

The Economist

This need not be an entirely vain hope.

The Economist

So it's still there but as a vain hope".

The New York Times

It's a vain hope that such a bill would succeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

An obvious vain hope on my measly two A-levels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vain hope" to concisely express that a particular hope is unlikely to be realized or fulfilled. It adds a touch of resignation or disappointment to your writing.

Common error

Don't use "vain hope" when there's a legitimate chance of success, as it implies futility. Choose a more neutral term like "hope" or "expectation" to reflect the actual level of possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vain hope" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it describes an unrealistic expectation that something will happen, especially when it is unlikely.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Business

3%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vain hope" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an unrealistic or unlikely expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to express disappointment or resignation. It appears frequently in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias. When using "vain hope", it's important to ensure the context reflects a genuine lack of possibility, avoiding its use when there's a reasonable chance of success. Alternatives such as "futile expectation" or "wishful thinking" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Futile expectation

Focuses on the lack of purpose or effect, emphasizing the fruitless nature of the expectation.

Unrealistic aspiration

Highlights the detachment from reality, suggesting the goal is not grounded in practical possibility.

Delusive anticipation

Emphasizes the misleading or deceptive quality of the anticipation, implying a false belief.

False optimism

Points out the misplaced confidence, suggesting a positive outlook that is not justified by the circumstances.

Empty promise

Shifts the focus to the deception inherent in the expectation, portraying it as a hollow commitment.

Misplaced faith

Emphasizes the errant trust placed in something unlikely to succeed, highlighting the misdirection of belief.

Groundless expectation

Stresses the absence of any reasonable basis for the expectation, indicating it's unfounded.

Wishful thinking

Suggests the expectation is based on desires rather than reality, implying a lack of rational assessment.

Pipe dream

Implies the expectation is unrealistic and fanciful, like a dream induced by drugs.

Lost cause

Highlights the inevitability of failure, portraying the situation as one beyond recovery or redemption.

FAQs

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

You can use "vain hope" to describe a situation where there's little to no chance of something happening. For example, "They waited in the "vain hope" that the missing hikers would be found alive".

What is an alternative to the phrase "vain hope"?

Alternatives to "vain hope" include "futile expectation", "unrealistic aspiration", or "wishful thinking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vain hope" a formal or informal expression?

"Vain hope" is neither strictly formal nor informal; it can be used in various contexts, including news articles, literature, and everyday conversation. However, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing.

What's the difference between "vain hope" and "optimism"?

"Optimism" implies a general positive outlook, while "vain hope" suggests a specific, unrealistic expectation. Using "vain hope" indicates awareness that the desired outcome is unlikely, whereas "optimism" doesn't necessarily acknowledge this.