vain pursuit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vain pursuit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort or endeavor that is futile or unlikely to succeed. Example: "Chasing after fame and fortune can often feel like a vain pursuit, leaving many feeling unfulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Medical clinics and emergency wards were overrun in the vain pursuit of antibiotics and Tamiflu.

The New York Times

It is irresponsible for them to sacrifice profits in the (sometimes vain) pursuit of goodness.Thoughtful practitioners of CSR understand this.

The Economist

Nor will you find my mother-in-law working the aisles in vain pursuit of partial snouts.

The New York Times - Tech

Back in London, I criss-crossed the city in vain pursuit of a more pleasant shared experience.

The Guardian - Tech

The helpful Bush cheerleaders at The Wall Street Journal are proposing further remedies, including the vain pursuit of Colin Powell as a running mate.

The New York Times

Encores!: 'Merrily We Roll Along' (Friday through Feb. 19) A big-shot Hollywood producer's vain pursuit of success for its own sake has driven away his former friends and left him feeling empty and alone.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It offers lies as truth, and traps people in vain pursuits, which lead them on to greater disillusionments later.

The Guardian - Books

Brittany clearly enjoys the food mischief of her mother; maybe they come together in less destructive, but equally vain, pursuits, like makeup or shopping.

The New York Times - Arts

Vain Pursuits – A physical product startup, Vain Pursuits creates skin care products, but it does so using a very data-driven approach.

TechCrunch

Now that they have shut down the government in a last-ditch effort to stop Obamacare, the right looks less like the sophisticated villains in the Indiana Jones or James Bond movies than the cartoon character Wile E. Coyote who keeps smashing into walls in his vain, obsessive pursuit of the Road Runner.

Huffington Post

Archives|SHOTS FLY IN CHASE OF A STOLEN AUTO; Youths Speed on Sidewalks of Upper West Side Trying in Vain to Shake Pursuit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "vain pursuit", ensure the context clearly indicates the futility or lack of success in achieving the desired outcome. For example, "Their "vain pursuit" of perfection led to endless revisions and missed deadlines."

Common error

Avoid using "vain pursuit" when the effort still holds a reasonable chance of success or offers some intrinsic value, even if the ultimate goal isn't fully achieved. For instance, seeking knowledge, even without finding all the answers, is not typically a "vain pursuit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vain pursuit" functions as a noun phrase where 'vain' modifies 'pursuit'. It serves to describe a particular type of endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vain pursuit" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a fruitless or unsuccessful endeavor. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is acceptable for use in written English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it most frequently appears in news and media sources. While other options include phrases like "fruitless endeavor" or "futile chase", "vain pursuit" effectively conveys the sense of an ultimately pointless activity. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the lack of success or inherent futility of the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fruitless endeavor

Replaces 'pursuit' with 'endeavor', emphasizing the effort expended without a positive outcome.

futile chase

Uses 'chase' instead of 'pursuit', highlighting the act of trying to catch or achieve something unattainable.

abortive attempt

Suggests an attempt that fails to come to completion or fruition.

unsuccessful quest

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the pursuit but with a lack of success.

worthless effort

Highlights the lack of value or positive result from the effort expended.

pointless undertaking

Indicates that the activity lacks purpose or meaning from the outset.

idle striving

Conveys a sense of aimlessness and lack of genuine progress in the effort.

unavailing struggle

Focuses on the difficulty and lack of positive result in a prolonged effort.

empty ambition

Suggests a pursuit driven by a desire for achievement that lacks substance or genuine fulfillment.

misguided aspiration

Highlights that the pursuit is based on flawed or incorrect understanding of the goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "vain pursuit" to describe an effort that is ultimately fruitless or unlikely to succeed. For example: "His "vain pursuit" of fame left him feeling empty and unfulfilled."

What are some alternatives to "vain pursuit"?

Alternatives include "fruitless endeavor", "futile chase", or "unsuccessful quest", depending on the specific context.

What distinguishes "vain pursuit" from "fruitful pursuit"?

"Vain pursuit" implies an effort that is ultimately unsuccessful and often leads to disappointment. Conversely, a "fruitful pursuit" suggests that the effort yields positive and meaningful results.

Is "vain pursuit" a formal or informal phrase?

"Vain pursuit" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.