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.
Compared to those who have vainly chased his tournament record for the past 68 years, Fontaine is a relative unknown to modern audiences.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
Even as he struggles vainly in Ukraine, Mr. Putin has been forced to watch the decline of Russian influence in Europe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 2026
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 ● May 1, 2025
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 ● Dec. 11, 2023
I looked at the others, searching vainly for a sympathetic face.
From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine
