vainly

[veyn-lee]

adverb

1. in a way that shows or proceeds from excessive pride or concern over one’s appearance, favorable qualities, impression on others, etc..

   Every time he leaves the room, he pauses to vainly admire his reflection in the mirror.

   I just got a box of business cards with my new degree “Ph.D.” on them—something I vainly insisted upon.

2. in an unsuccessful or futile way; in vain.

   She tried vainly to catch a glimpse of the canoe, which seemed to have dissolved suddenly into the mist.

3. in a way that is without real meaning, importance, or value.

   We talk a lot about things we like or dislike, but sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose.

Other Word Forms

• unvainly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vainly¹

vain ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

This week, as he struggles vainly against the rising tide of accountability, we’ve seen writ large across the national stage to what lengths his fear will lead him.

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I soon learned that it’s impossible to tug on the “ropes” of sails with just the tips of my fingers to vainly try to protect my fresh mani.

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It is not to dash all our energy against a wave that’s not yet spent, trying vainly to roll it back to yesterday.

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He watched neighbors come into his backyard and vainly battle the flames.

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But Trump wants to be Trump, free from the discipline his aides have sought vainly to impose.

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Related Words

• futilely www.thesaurus.com
• unsuccessfully www.thesaurus.com