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in vain

idiom · idiom

3 meanings of in vain

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  1. 1
    idiom
    Without success, so that all the trying does not work.

    We looked for the lost cat in vain.

    She tried in vain to open the old jar.

    Similarvainly, unsuccessfully, fruitlessly, uselessly

    Oppositesuccessfully

    Note
  2. 2
    idiom
    Not successful, because it did not work.

    All our hard work was in vain.

    His warnings were in vain, and nobody listened.

    Similarfutile, fruitless, useless, unavailing, unsuccessful

    Oppositesuccessful, fruitful, effective

    Note
  3. 3
    idiom
    Without the respect something deserves, or without really meaning it.

    Please don't take God's name in vain at the dinner table.

    Grandpa got angry when the boys took the Lord's name in vain.

    Note

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