노력이 헛되다

noryeog-i heotdoeda
phraseIntermediate efforts are in vain
general

To have one's efforts or hard work result in no meaningful outcome or success; to fail despite exertion.

수년 동안 준비한 프로젝트가 실패하면서 모든 노력이 헛되게 되었다.

After years of preparation, the project failed, making all the effort seem in vain.

그들은 열심히 일했지만, 결국 노력이 헛되게 되었다.

They worked hard, but in the end, their efforts were for nothing.

💡

This phrase is often used to express disappointment or frustration when efforts do not yield the desired results.

Collocations

노력이 헛되다efforts are in vain헛된 노력fruitless effort

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

헛된 꿈phrase
a futile dream
헛된 희망phrase
a vain hope

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is often used when expressing disappointment or frustration over unfulfilled expectations.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

While the phrase is neutral in tone, it can carry strong emotional weight depending on the context.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines '노력' (effort) and '헛되다' (to be in vain), emphasizing the futility of exertion.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe situations where hard work does not lead to success.

Word Breakdown

노력
effort
root
+
헛되다
to be in vain
root
한영사전