What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vainest
Example
She spent hours in front of the mirror, trying to look her vainest. [vainest: superlative adjective]
Example
He made a vain attempt to impress his boss by working overtime. [vain: adjective]
Example
The politician's speech was full of vain promises that he knew he couldn't keep. [vain: adjective]
useless
Example
This broken phone is useless, I need to buy a new one. [useless: adjective]
Example
He felt useless when he couldn't help his friend in need. [useless: adjective]
Example
Trying to fix this old car is useless, it's beyond repair. [useless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useless is more commonly used than vainest in everyday language. Useless is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while vainest is less common and usually reserved for specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vainest and useless?
Both vainest and useless are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, useless is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while vainest is more limited in its usage.
