5.They attempted in vain to modernise these antiquated industries.
他们企些陈旧工业现代化,结果劳而无功。
6.In making that plea he will breathe in vain.
他做那种恳求白费口舌。
7.They endeavored to make her happy, but in vain.
他们想方设法地她高兴, 但那徒劳。
8.John tried in vain to gloss over his faults.
极力想掩饰自己缺点, 但没有用。
9.(humorous)Have you been taking my name in vain again?
你又在说我闲话吧?
10.They tried in vain to persuade her to go.
他们极力劝她去,但枉费了一番口舌。
11.All our efforts were in vain.
我们所有努力都付诸东流了。
12.He proposed to himself to achieve what hitherto he had been promised in vain.
他决定要完成一件至今尚无希望事情。
13.In Mayo's junior year at North Hill College High in Cincinnati, ESPN's Forde tried in vain to arrange an interview, showed up in person but was turned away by Mayo's uncle.