vainly
/ˈveɪnli/
adverb
- Without success; uselessly or futilely.
- He tried vainly to open the jammed door.
- She searched vainly for her lost keys in the dark.
- They argued vainly with the referee, who refused to change his decision.
- In a way that shows excessive pride in one's appearance or abilities.
- She vainly bragged about her expensive new car to anyone who would listen.
- He vainly admired his reflection in the mirror before leaving the house.
- The author vainly believed his book would become an instant bestseller.
Antonyms