First Known Use: circa 1660
Dictionary
vacuous
adjective vac·u·ous \ˈva-kyə-wəs\
: having or showing a lack of intelligence or serious thought : lacking meaning, importance, or substance
Full Definition of VACUOUS
1
: emptied of or lacking content
See vacuous defined for English-language learners
See vacuous defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of VACUOUS
Latin vacuus
Related to VACUOUS
Synonym Discussion of VACUOUS
empty, vacant, blank, void, vacuous mean lacking contents which could or should be present. empty suggests a complete absence of contents <an empty bucket>. vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants <a vacant apartment>. blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface <a blank wall>. void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine <a statement void of meaning>. vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance <a vacuous facial expression>.
Learn More About VACUOUS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: vacuum (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: vacuometerAll Words Near: vacuous
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up vacuous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).