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

He watched neighbors come into his backyard and vainly battle the flames.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2024

Acuña singled leading off the seventh and stole second off Evan Justice, getting a huge jump and sliding into second as Justice threw vainly to first.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2023

Taran, sprawled flat against the stones, tried vainly to clamber back to the path.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander