adjective
in vain, futile
B1
'vergeblich' is an adjective/adverb meaning 'in vain' or 'futile.' It can describe attempts (e.g., a futile effort) or adverbially (Es war vergeblich). Used both attributively and predicatively. Gradable: comparative vergeblicher, superlative am vergeblichsten. Not a participle; regular adjective forms. No special prepositions or reflexive use.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Die Bemühungen waren vergeblich, obwohl das Team bis spät gearbeitet hatte.
The efforts were in vain, although the team had worked late.
Jede Rettungsaktion war vergeblich.
Every rescue attempt was futile.
Er versuchte vergeblich, das Problem zu lösen.
He tried in vain to solve the problem.
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Imagine someone shaking their head while watering a plant that won't grow — the effort is 'vergeblich'.
sounds a bit like 'verb' + 'ghlich' — think 'attempt (a verb) didn't stick'
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Used when effort or action produces no result. Can describe attempts, hopes, or warnings (e.g., 'Es ist vergeblich, ...').