What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vain
Example
She spent hours in front of the mirror, admiring her own reflection. [vain: adjective]
Example
He tried in vain to fix the broken vase. [in vain: adverb phrase]
Example
The politician's promises were just vain attempts to win votes. [vain: adjective]
useless
Example
This old computer is useless and needs to be replaced. [useless: adjective]
Example
He felt useless after losing his job. [useless: adjective]
Example
Trying to convince her was useless, she had already made up her mind. [useless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useless is more commonly used than vain in everyday language. Useless is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while vain is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vain and useless?
Both vain and useless are considered informal words, but useless can be used in more formal situations than vain due to its versatility and broader usage.
