To no avail (2,4)
There are a few possibilities for this:
in vain
'to no avail' is the definition.
(synonyms)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for in vain that I've seen before include "Futile" , "To no end" , "To no purpose" , "no benefit" , "Fruitlessly" .)
'to no avail' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for futile that I've seen before include "In vain, a waste of time" , "Useless, a waste of effort" , "Ineffectual, vain" , "Ineffective" , "Fruitless" .)
'to no avail' is the definition.
(synonyms)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for vainly that I've seen before include "How conceited people might act" , "To no avail" , "Without success, ineffectually" .)