vainlyEnglishOxford New American Dictionaryvainly /ˈvānlē, ˈveɪnli / ▸ adverb 1 with an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth: I stared at myself vainly in the mirror they were vainly looking at old videos of themselves. 2 in a way that produces no result; to no avail: I was vainly trying to get to sleep she searched vainly for a pulse. ▪ with no likelihood of fulfillment: he vainly hoped to be appointed master he falls hopelessly and vainly in love with her.