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

“She vainly goes on about the Pulp song ‘Common People,’ having probably been written for her, all of that.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2023

"Was it not you who told me warlocks were no more than old soldiers, vainly boasting of forgotten deeds and lost prowess?"

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin