vainly
/ˈveɪnli/
CEFR level C1Topic ThinkingWord #5973 in the learning path
徒劳地；白费力气地
Definitions
adv. Without achieving the desired result despite effort
徒劳地；白费力气地
Example
I searched vainly for my keys under the sofa.
我在沙发下面找钥匙，却一无所获。
Residents have vainly requested better bus services for years, leaving many dependent on private cars.
居民多年来要求改善公交服务，却始终未果，致使许多人仍然依赖私家车。
Collocations
- try vainly to do something
- search vainly for
- struggle vainly
Word family
- vain (adj.)
- vanity (n.)
Synonyms
- unsuccessfully
- fruitlessly
Antonyms
- successfully
Usage tip
vainly侧重努力无果，常可换成in vain。
FAQ
- What does vainly mean?
- Without achieving the desired result despite effort
- How is vainly pronounced?
- UK /ˈveɪnli/, US /ˈveɪnli/. Use the audio buttons above to listen.
