vacant

/ˈveɪ.kənt/
adjectiveIntermediate empty or unoccupied
general

Not occupied or in use; empty.

The vacant office building stood in the middle of the city.

The office building had no tenants or occupants.

💡

Often used to describe physical spaces like houses, rooms, or positions.

general

Not filled or occupied by a person or thing.

The vacant seat at the table was reserved for the guest of honor.

The seat was empty, waiting for the guest of honor.

💡

Can also refer to abstract concepts like positions or roles.

Collocations

vacant lotan empty piece of landvacant positiona job openingvacant starea blank or empty look

Related Phrases

vacant lookphrase
a blank or empty expression
vacant positionphrase
a job or role that is unfilled

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Vacant' is often used to describe physical spaces like houses, rooms, or land, but it can also refer to abstract concepts like job positions or roles.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

Use 'vacant' for both physical and abstract contexts, but ensure the context makes the meaning clear.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'vacant,' from Latin 'vacantem,' present participle of 'vacare,' meaning 'to be empty.'

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (for physical spaces) and figuratively (for roles or positions).

Word Breakdown

vac
empty or free
root
+
-ant
present participle suffix
suffix
English Dictionary