What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vainly
Example
He tried vainly to lift the heavy box. [vainly: adverb]
Example
She searched vainly for her lost keys. [vainly: adverb]
uselessly
Example
He was using the tool uselessly, not knowing how to operate it. [uselessly: adverb]
Example
She tried to fix the broken vase but only made it worse uselessly. [uselessly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uselessly is more commonly used than vainly in everyday language, especially in spoken English. Vainly is more commonly used in formal writing or literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vainly and uselessly?
Vainly is more formal than uselessly, and its negative connotation makes it more suitable for serious or literary contexts. Uselessly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
