View synonyms for vainly

vainly

[ veyn-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

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.

Origin of vainly¹

Truth be told, the hope of destroying the rubes by ignoring them vainly ignores the most inescapable fact of our lives.

They portrayed the Secretary as a kind of well-meaning but naïve Don Quixote flailing vainly against windmills.

The old bulls sensed the cnunbling of their position and vainly tried to placate the reformers.

As Hudson vainly tried to save Lopez, the Honda roared away on just the wheel rims.

Can we justify manicures and tasteful highlights when others are vainly looking for work?

Alone Orlean lay trying vainly to forget something—something that stood like a spectre before her eyes.

Colonel Case of the 32d, trying vainly with his men to stop the native runaways, was shot dead.

Vainly now did the Marquise seek to alter the captain's resolution; but in this she received a sudden check from Marius himself.

Wildly and vainly did he strive even then to cover up the foolish thing that he had done.

I round the threshold wandering here,Vainly the tempest and the rain invoke,That they may keep my lady prisoner.

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