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3. in vain

in vain

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in vain

for no purpose; [done] as a failure. They rushed her to the hospital, but they did it in vain. We tried in vain to get her there on time.

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in vain

1. without success Melissa shifted about, trying in vain to find a comfortable position. Government agents tried in vain to kidnap him.

2. without any useful result Clegg said Friday's military operation went well, and that these soldiers did not die in vain. The president himself must make the argument, or all our work will be in vain.

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in vain

To no avail, useless, as in All our work was in vain. [c. 1300] Also see take someone's name in vain.

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in vain

1. To no avail; without success: Our labor was in vain.

2. In an irreverent or disrespectful manner: took the Lord's name in vain.

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