vainly
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Etymology
Origin of vainly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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.
From Los Angeles Times
It is not to dash all our energy against a wave that’s not yet spent, trying vainly to roll it back to yesterday.
From Salon
He watched neighbors come into his backyard and vainly battle the flames.
From Los Angeles Times
We caught up while I vainly attempted to control my heartbeat.
From Los Angeles Times
Kittle ran past safety Julian Love, who vainly grabbed hold of him to try to slow him down, drawing a flag in the process.
From Seattle Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
