Vainly: meaning, definitions and examples

Repeated from earlier in the list, already explained.

• Already provided earlier

Describes attempts that yield no positive outcome, similar to 'vainly' but often with more emphasis on the lack of productive results.

• The team worked fruitlessly to fix the problem before the deadline
• Their efforts to negotiate peace were fruitlessly ignored

Refers to circumstances where a planned or desired outcome was not achieved, typically without negative emotional weight.

• He applied for the job unsuccessfully
• They tried to fix the car, but unsuccessfully

Indicates actions or methods that are not effective or do not produce the right results, usually focusing on the poor quality or efficiency of the attempt.

• The teacher ineffectively explained the complex topic, leaving students confused
• The medication was ineffectively administered, leading to no improvement

Used when someone does something without success, often with a sense of wasted effort.

• She searched vainly for her lost keys
• He tried vainly to convince her to stay

Describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves, often coming across as arrogant.

• He was so conceited that he couldn't take any criticism
• Her conceited behavior made her unpopular among her peers

Refers to someone overly focused on their own importance, often disregarding others.

• Being egotistical, he talked about his accomplishments for hours
• His egotistical nature made teamwork difficult

Indicates someone who is mostly concerned with themselves and their own needs, often ignoring others.

• Their self-centered decisions affected the whole group
• She is too self-centered to notice anyone else's problems