In a futile attempt...

[ FUTILE ATTEMPT ] means :
A `futile attempt` is an attempt that is useless and has NO chance of being successful.

Therefore,
[ In a futile attempt, he tried to rebulid his reputation. ] means :
佢重建聲譽失敗.

More examples :
It is futile to continue the negotiations.
In a futile attempt, he tried to save the paintings from the fire.


Hope it might help.

失敗左，再去重建聲譽