vacant
/ˈveɪkənt/
ADJECTIVE
1. Not occupied; empty
Not being occupied, inhabited, filled, or used; having no person or thing present in a particular space or position.
1.1. Unoccupied places and spaces
Describing a room, building, seat, or other physical space that has no occupants or contents.
Synonyms
- empty
- unoccupied
- uninhabited
- tenantless
- untenanted
- unfilled
- unfurnished
- deserted
- abandoned
- unused
- bare
- devoid
Antonyms
Examples
- The bus pulled away, leaving a vacant seat near the back.
- The abandoned house had a desolate, vacant look about it.
- The employee's sudden resignation left a vacant position in the department.
- The theater marquee advertised a vacant spot for a new performance.
- As the sun set, the park became vacant, with only a few lingering visitors.
Related Words
- empty
- emptiness
- vacancy
- abandonment
- desolation
- unoccupancy
- uninhabited building
1.2. Available positions and opportunities
Describing a job, position, or place that is available because it has not yet been filled or occupied.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The employee's sudden resignation left a vacant position in the department.
- The company advertised a vacant managerial post to attract qualified applicants.
- Several vacant positions remained available after the recruitment process.
Related Words
- vacancy
- job opening
- employment
- recruitment
- appointment
- position
- reservation
ADJECTIVE
2. Showing no intelligence or interest
Lacking apparent intelligence, awareness, interest, or mental engagement; displaying an empty or expressionless appearance.
2.1. Blank or expressionless appearance
Describing a face, look, or expression that reveals little emotion, thought, intelligence, or mental activity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- expressive
- animated
- emotional
- demonstrative
- lively
- bright
Examples
- He stared at the screen with a vacant expression.
- Her vacant look suggested that she had not understood the question.
- The actor maintained a vacant expression throughout the scene.
Related Words
- blank stare
- facial expression
- emotion
- demeanor
- apathy
- mental dullness
2.2. Lacking attention or interest
Describing someone who appears mentally absent, distracted, indifferent, or uninterested in what is happening around them.
Synonyms
- abstracted
- absent
- apathetic
- disengaged
- disinterested
- dreamy
- indifferent
- inattentive
- incurious
- unresponsive
- detached
Antonyms
Examples
- The student sat with a vacant expression during the lecture.
- She seemed vacant and uninterested in the conversation.
- His vacant gaze suggested that his thoughts were somewhere else.
Related Words
- daydreaming
- preoccupied
- absent-minded
- distraction
- inattention
- indifference
- detachment
2.3. Lacking intelligence or mental substance
Describing a person, expression, or statement that appears foolish, unintelligent, or devoid of meaningful thought.
Synonyms
- vacuous
- empty-headed
- foolish
- witless
- stupid
- inane
- mindless
- unintelligent
- brainless
Antonyms
- intelligent
- bright
- clever
- smart
- intellectual
- thoughtful
- intelligent-minded
Examples
- His vacant response made it clear that he had not considered the question.
- The critic dismissed the speech as vacuous and lacking meaningful ideas.
- She was frustrated by the vacant remarks made during the discussion.