vacant
adj.-
1 empty or unoccupied (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateempty and available for someone to use, like a hotel room or a seat on a bus.
not filled, occupied, or used by anyone; typically applied to physical spaces or positions of employment.
ExampleThe sign in the window said there were several vacant rooms for the night.
ExampleThe company has struggled to find a suitable candidate for the vacant managerial position since the previous director retired in June.
UsageOften used in formal contexts like real estate or job listings.
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2 showing no thought (adj.) C1 Advanced Literaryshowing no thought, interest, or intelligence in your expression.
characterised by a lack of thought, reflection, or interest; used to describe facial expressions or gazes.
ExampleHe just stood there with a vacant look on his face, not hearing a word I said.
ExampleShe stared out of the window with a vacant expression, her mind clearly miles away from the lecture taking place in the hall.
UsageUsually precedes the noun it modifies, such as 'stare' or 'look'.
From Old French vacant, from Latin vacāns.
- Nounvacancy
- Adjectivevacant