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

I soon learned that it’s impossible to tug on the “ropes” of sails with just the tips of my fingers to vainly try to protect my fresh mani.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

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

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

I looked at the others, searching vainly for a sympathetic face.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine