What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vainful
Example
It was a vainful attempt to fix the broken vase. [vainful: adjective]
Example
She tried to convince him to change his mind, but it was all in vain. [in vain: idiom]
useless
Example
This old computer is useless and needs to be replaced. [useless: adjective]
Example
I tried to fix the leaky faucet, but my efforts were useless. [useless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useless is more commonly used than vainful in everyday language. Useless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vainful is less common and may sound outdated or formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vainful and useless?
Both vainful and useless can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, vainful may sound more formal or archaic due to its rarity in modern usage.
