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 Words From

• un·vain·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vainly¹

vain ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

This is far from a conventionally heroic biopic, featuring a sullen protagonist vainly seeking more and more power, as if it might possibly satiate the gnawing void inside himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• futilely
• unsuccessfully