Vacuous    (pronounced vak-yoo-us) adjective


Definition

1. lacking intelligence, thought, or ideas; stupid; inane; expressionless.   2. purposeless; lacking serious occupation; idle.

Main Example

  • President Bush's service with the Alabama National Guard has garnered much media attention lately. Democrats say Bush's record is relevant to the presidential campaign because it is a matter of trust and character. Republicans say the issue is immaterial and vacuous because it concerns Bush's activities more than 30 years ago, when he was young and in a formative stage of life.

    Workplace Examples

  • Today's session was really stimulating. What a contrast from the vacuous meeting yesterday when no one produced a single idea of substance!

  • Young Timmy is unusually mature for his age. He even enjoys some of the serious films on PBS--you know, the kind that invariably produce vacuous looks on most kids' faces.

    Other Examples

  • your telling a colleague: "I don't see any point in inviting Guy to these review sessions. His contribution during an entire three-hour meeting is usually limited to one or two brief and vacuous comments."

  • psychologists pointing to a high correlation between children's consistent viewing of hours and hours of vacuous programs on television and the development of vacuous minds

  • somebody leading a life that is intellectually or emotionally vacuous

  • the many vacuous political campaigns that lie ahead this general election year, full of speeches in which candidates will be ambiguous about what they will do for the people, but precise in their allegations against rivals

  • film critics calling "Bad Boys II" and "Boat Trip" the most vacuous movies of 2003

    © 2004 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Vortex
    Tin Ear
    Truculent
    Engender
    Bulwark
    Vacuous
    Pernicious
    Circumscribe

    Now available on CD-ROM: Past editions of Words of the Month. Click here for more information.
    The Articulate Professional (1995 revised edition) also available. Click here for more information.

    Now get the CD-ROM and the book for only $27. Click here to order.
    *Price includes shipping in US/Canada.