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.

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

England found some late urgency as they vainly chased the game.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 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

Afterward Davis was looking as glum as he always looks after he plays poorly in a loss, his forehead furrowed as he vainly searched for an explanation.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 23, 2023

He took off his glasses and looked vainly for something with which to clean them.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding