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.

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

I am simply pro-understanding that events will rush onward and dealing with feelings privately vs. vainly trying, ragefully failing, to slow the onrush of events.

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2023

He seemed in no hurry to go elsewhere or to talk, and as the slow-motion bartender mixed our drinks I puzzled vainly as to why he had brought me here.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison