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vergeblich: futile — meaning and examples | JadoLearn

Quality-approved learning entryAdjectiveLevel B1

vergeblich

futile

unsuccessful despite effort; not achieving the intended result

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈɡeːplɪç/

The main stress follows standard German pronunciation.

Meaning 1neutral · 87%

unsuccessful despite effort; not achieving the intended result

Ich habe vergeblich versucht, den Drucker neu zu starten.

Wir suchten eine Stunde lang vergeblich nach dem Schlüssel.

Sie wartete vergeblich auf den Techniker.

A natural English equivalent is often 'in vain' when vergeblich modifies a verb.

versuchen, suchen, warten, and hoffen often combine naturally with vergeblich.

Choose one answer.

What does 'vergeblich warten' mean?

vergeblich is especially common adverbially with verbs such as versuchen, warten, suchen, or hoffen. It is normally not compared.