i-adjective
Describes a physical or metaphorical emptiness, a lack of content, substance, or meaning. Often used for feelings of emptiness or a vacant space.
部屋の中は空っぽで、むなしい感じがした。
The room was empty and felt hollow.
彼の
His words rang hollow.
i-adjective
Used for efforts, attempts, or hopes that produce no result or are pointless. Common in expressions like むなしい努力 (vain effort).
彼の努力はむなしく終わった。
His efforts ended in vain.
むなしい抵抗はやめて降伏しなさい。
Stop your futile resistance and surrender.
i-adjective
lifeless; empty of life
Describes a state lacking vitality, spirit, or life. Often used in literary or emotional contexts, such as a lifeless expression or a dead atmosphere. The cross-reference 空しくなる suggests the process of becoming lifeless.
See also: 空しくなる
彼女の目はむなしく、生気がなかった。
Her eyes were lifeless and devoid of vitality.