Words / C2

VAK-yoo-uh-s/ˈvækjuəs/

Vacuous means empty of thought: a vacuous slogan, a vacuous smile. Empty-headed is everyday; inane is a close cousin. Vacuum is the physics/empty-space word; verbose (already in the dictionary) is wordy — opposite problem. Do not call a silent expert vacuous.

Meaning

Showing no intelligence or serious thought; empty-headed.

Examples

• “A vacuous slogan named “excellence” and no hours.”
• ““Excellence for all” was vacuous without a staff line or an hour.”
• “A vacuum is empty space; a vacuous remark is empty of mind.”

Good to know

Empty-headed; without thought. Close: inane. Mix-up: vacuum (empty space); verbose (too many words). Not quiet expertise.

Near in meaning

inane

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