Definition of "in vain" []

• Without success; ending in failure. (adverb)
• In a disrespectful manner, especially when concerning religion. (adverb)

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• "The great Temple of the Sun in Cuzco contained a massive golden image of the sun, and the walls and roof were covered with plates of solid gold, which the unfortunate Atahualja in vain delivered as a ransom to the faithless Pizarro."
• "As soon as the winds shifted from west to east, Nearchus weighed anchor and sailed along the coast to a desert island called Domai, where his men searched in vain for water."
• "Waiting in vain for Old Bory, Hoke fought all day against an enemy who captured part of the outer line of the Drewry's Bluff defenses."