Definition

Lacking meaning, substance, or intelligence; empty or devoid of thought.

Example

His vacuous remarks during the meeting showed he hadn't prepared at all.

Conversation

Did you see that movie last night?

Yeah, I thought it was a bit vacuous, to be honest.

Right? The plot was all over the place.

Exactly, it felt like there was no real substance to it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vacuous → It is formed from "vacuus" (meaning empty) in Latin, and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of or possessing). The word "vacuous" means full of emptiness or lacking content.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'empty' ('vacuus') and 'full of' ('-ous') emptiness — that's what vacuous means.

Visually Confused Words