vainly
5
5.5
- adverb
- /ˈveɪnli/
:
en vano
- She called his name from across the street, but he walked past her, vainly hoping for his attention.
- vainly try
- vainly attempt
Examples
-
Like him, she'd searched vainly for a job better suited for her training and erudition.
Fiction book (2001) -
I studied the cyst's interior closely, vainly hoping to see some clue the scientists might have missed.
Fiction book (1993) -
The big man looked around and tried vainly to bring the surroundings into focus.
Fiction book (1996) -
Back to the center, where we wore away the day vainly seeking news.
Fiction book (1994) -
"Just had a nice nap," he lied, trying vainly to keep his voice casual.
Fiction book (1998) -
A man stands in the rain, carrying a briefcase, trying vainly to keep dry.
Fiction book (1994) -
Julian, seeing her trying vainly to fend them off, went and stood close by.
Fiction book (1993) -
Horton blinked again, vainly trying to focus on his blurred instruments.
Fiction book (2001) -
Tamborel craned on tiptoe, striving vainly to peer over the garden wall.
Fiction book (1993) -
Mrs. Goodman heads for the escalator, talking and gesturing, while Edie tries vainly to keep up.
Fiction book (1994)
Synonyms
108
3.7
Without success despite trying to do something
60
3.7
In a way that shows no chance of success
31
3.0
In a way that does not get the result you wanted
4
3.5
In a way that does not help or make any difference
4
4.3
In a way that has no purpose or use
3
7.4
In a way that does not make a difference
3
4.0
In a way that does not get the result you want
2
6.0
In a way that does not succeed
1
6.7
In a way that fails to get useful results
In a way that fails to reach the goal
Without success when someone tries to do something
Antonyms
How Ineffective
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word vainly comes from vain, from the old Latin word vanus meaning 'empty', the same root you see in vanity. So to do something vainly is to try with 'empty' effort and get no result or success.