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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word.

The efforts will be in vain if we do not submit the project report on time.  

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

useless

Finding the Synonym for 'Vain'

The question asks us to select the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word 'vain' in the sentence: "The efforts will be in vain if we do not submit the project report on time."

Understanding the Meaning of 'Vain' in Context

In the given sentence, the phrase is "in vain". This is a common idiom in English. When something is done "in vain", it means that the action or effort was attempted without success, or that it proved to be fruitless or useless. The sentence implies that if the report is not submitted on time, all the effort put into the project will not achieve its intended purpose and will therefore be wasted or useless.

Analyzing the Options for Synonym of 'Vain'

Let's examine each option to see which word best fits the meaning of 'vain' as used in the phrase "in vain":

  • Option 1: useless
    If efforts are useless, they do not produce any desired result. This meaning aligns directly with the phrase "in vain", which means without success or fruitless.
  • Option 2: careless
    'Careless' means not paying enough attention or thought to avoiding harm or mistakes. This relates to the manner of the effort, not the outcome or whether it was successful. It is not a synonym for 'vain' in this context.
  • Option 3: delightful
    'Delightful' means causing delight; charming or pleasant. This word has a completely opposite meaning to 'vain' in this context, which relates to failure or lack of success.
  • Option 4: sensible
    'Sensible' means practical and functional, rather than decorative; or, possessing or exhibiting good sense or sound judgment. This word is unrelated to the meaning of 'vain' as used in the sentence.

Identifying the Correct Synonym

Based on the analysis, the word 'useless' is the most appropriate synonym for 'vain' when used in the phrase "in vain". If the efforts are 'in vain', they are 'useless'.

Summary: Word and Synonym
Word in Context Meaning in Sentence Most Appropriate Synonym
vain (in "in vain") Without success; fruitless; useless useless

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary

Vocabulary Revision: Vain
Word Contextual Meaning ("in vain") Example Usage
vain Producing no result; useless; futile All their attempts to fix the old car proved to be in vain.

Additional Information: Meanings of Vain

It is important to note that the word 'vain' has other meanings besides being part of the idiom "in vain". Another common meaning of 'vain' is:

  • Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth; conceited.
    Example: He was very vain about his appearance.

However, in the sentence provided, the context clearly points to the meaning associated with "in vain", which relates to the outcome of effort, not a personality trait.

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