"Waiting in Vain" is a song written by reggae musician Bob Marley and recorded by Bob Marley and the Wailers, for their 1977 album Exodus.

The single was one of only a few of Marley's Island singles to feature a non-album B-side, this being the song "Roots", an outtake from the Rastaman Vibration sessions.

This later appeared on the compilation Rebel Music and on Exodus (Deluxe Edition).

The 1981 reissue of Waiting in Vain featured a megamix called Marley Mix Up Medley instead.

In 1993, American Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour recorded his version of the song featuring British reggae artist Maxi Priest.