She closed her eyes tightly in a vain attempt to hold back the tears.

她紧闭双眼，却无法忍住眼泪。

The drafting committee worked through the night in a vain attempt to finish on schedule.

起草委员会徒劳地通宵工作想按期完成工作。

She made a vain attempt to stop him.

她试图阻止他，但是徒然。

He made a vain attempt to reach the drowning child.

他试图接近那个快淹死的小孩，但没有成功。