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vacant
/ˈveɪ.kənt/
empty or unoccupied
The apartment was vacant for months before new tenants moved in.
The apartment had no occupants for months.
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
Related Phrases
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary