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.
Writing in newspaper Canard Enchaine, Fabrice Colin also criticised the formulaic sentence structure and said he "vainly looked for a unique voice" in the prose.
From Barron's ● Sep. 25, 2026
But it was the sight of loosehead prop Ox Nche stampeding through Ollie Chessum and Jamie George, with the England defence desperately, vainly backpedalling, that summed up a brutally chastening opening salvo.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 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
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 felt as if an iron hand had gripped his heart and was pulling it out between his ribs, so that he pressed his hands to the place and vainly tried to hold it in.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
