vain attempt

Frequency: 8.025.5 per million words

An attempt that fails to achieve its intended purpose.

vainADJECTIVE + NOUN

Categories:

attempt

Examples (10)

  • He made a vain attempt to catch the bus.
  • The doctors made a vain attempt to save him.
  • She waved her arms in a vain attempt to attract attention.
  • It was a vain attempt to cover up the mistake.
  • All their efforts were just a vain attempt at reconciliation.
  • He shouted in a vain attempt to be heard over the noise.
  • They made a vain attempt to fix the broken engine.
  • Her explanation was a vain attempt to justify her actions.
  • We made a vain attempt to keep the party a surprise.
  • The dog jumped in a vain attempt to catch the frisbee.