vainly
advUS /ˈveɪnli/
Etymology Inherited from Middle English vaynly, veynly, vaynely, veynely, equivalent to vain + -ly.
1
In a vain pursuit; to no avail.
- She searched vainly for her reflection in the shattered mirror.
2
With a vain attitude; in a self-approving manner.
- She stared vainly at her reflection in the mirror.
- Synonyms
- in vain