vain

Without achieving anything useful or serving any purpose.

• We searched in vain.
• She hoped their sacrifice had not been in vain.
• Did we spend all that money in vain?

How to use it: in vain (He called for help in vain.)

Similar words: pointless, fruitless

Common phrases: in vain, die in vain, work in vain

Too proud of your appearance or abilities, and wanting others to admire you.

• He is rather vain.
• She was vain about her beautiful hair.
• The vain actor demanded a larger photograph of himself.

How to use it: vain about something (He is vain about his looks.)

Similar words: conceited, self-admiring

Opposites: modest, humble

Common phrases: vain person, rather vain, vain about something

Failing to achieve the result you wanted.

• We made a vain attempt to stop him.
• Their efforts to save the tree were vain.
• She waited in the vain hope that he would return.

Similar words: unsuccessful, futile

Opposites: successful

Common phrases: vain attempt, vain effort, vain hope, vain struggle