Without success = in vain

[me]

English Idioms and Expressions, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #5 "In Control", question 1

They tried in vain to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one.

(a) without money
(b) without trial
(c) without success
(d) without work

English Idioms and Expressions, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #5 "In Control", answer 1

They tried without success to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one.

Correct answer: (c) without success
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Hi, please tell me what in vain means. Thank you so much!

[Keokounila]

Hello English Learner ,

In my opinion, " in vain " actually means 'without success'. This sentence really focuses on the result of saving money that is not successful. They tried to work hard to save money, but finally they couldn't get what they wanted. So it's "without" success.

Hope this helps!