What is vacant? Pronunciation and usage in English

vacant means . Learn how to pronounce and use vacant through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of vacant

vacantadjective

/ˈveɪkənt//ˈveɪkənt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vacant." It can be a tricky one for some! Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "vac" – This part sounds like “vahk” (like “hawk” without the ‘h’). It’s a short, open "a" sound, similar to "father."

2. The “ant” Part:

  • “ant” – This part is pronounced like “ahnt.” The “nt” blends together to make a single sound that's a little bit softer than a hard "t."

3. Putting it Together:

  • “vahk-ahnt” - Say it smoothly, blending the two parts together.

Here’s a helpful way to break it down:

  • Vahk-ahnt (think of "vacant" as a single word)

Resources to hear it:

Tips for nailing it:

  • Don't overemphasize the "t" sound. It should be very soft and blend into the “ahnt”.
  • Listen to native speakers. Hearing how they say it will help you get the rhythm and flow right.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some similar-sounding words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word vacant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vacant." It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Meaning 1: Empty or Unoccupied

  • Most Common Use: This is the most frequent meaning. "Vacant" describes something that is empty, unoccupied, or lacking a tenant/resident.

    • Example 1: “The apartment was vacant for two weeks while it was being renovated.” (Meaning: The apartment was empty)
    • Example 2: “The seat on the bus was vacant.” (Meaning: The seat was empty and available)
    • Example 3: “The field was vacant and overgrown with weeds.” (Meaning: The field was empty and unused)

2. Meaning 2: (Of a position or role) Unfilled or Available

  • Job/Position Context: “Vacant” can refer to a job or position that isn't currently held.

    • Example 1: “The position of managing director is vacant.” (Meaning: The position is open and no one is currently in it.)
    • Example 2: "He's looking for a vacant role in the marketing department." (Meaning: He’s looking for an open position in marketing.)

3. Meaning 3: (Of a view or landscape) Open and Unobstructed; Wide

  • Describing a View: This is a more poetic or descriptive use. It refers to an expanse of land or sky that isn’t blocked by anything.

    • Example 1: “The terrace had a vacant view of the ocean.” (Meaning: The view of the ocean was unobstructed and wide.)
    • Example 2: “A vacant expanse of prairie stretched to the horizon.” (Meaning: The prairie was wide and open.)

4. Meaning 4: (Of the eye) Showing a lack of expression or emotion

  • Describing a facial expression: This is less common than the other definitions.

    • Example 1: “His eyes were vacant when he heard the news.” (Meaning: His eyes showed no emotion or awareness.)

Tips for Using "Vacant":

  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “empty,” “unoccupied,” “available,” “open,” or “unfilled” depending on the context.
  • Adjectives: “Vacant” often describes a noun. You’ll usually see it paired with something like “apartment,” “seat,” “position,” or “view.”
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Vacant” is generally considered a more formal word than “empty.”

Resources for More Examples:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples related to a specific context (e.g., real estate, job searching)?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word vacant

Practice with vocabulary vacant

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the last tenant moved out, the apartment unit remained _________ for several months, awaiting new occupants.
  2. The city council announced a new _________ position in the urban planning department, inviting qualified candidates to apply.
  3. Please ensure the water jug is completely _________ before refilling it with fresh water.
  4. Several seats were _________ in the auditorium, even though the lecture was expected to be a full house.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following could describe a parking space that is currently vacant? A) Occupied B) Available C) Taken D) Reserved E) Free

  2. A manager might refer to a job as 'vacant' if it is: A) filled B) taken C) open D) occupied E) currently unfilled

  3. Which phrase uses "vacant" correctly in an academic or professional context? A) The professor delivered a vacant lecture. B) The university library has a vacant study room on the third floor. C) The student gave a vacant answer to the complex question. D) The administrative office announced a vacant research assistantship. E) The research team identified several vacant data fields in the survey.

  4. After the storm, the once lively beach was completely ______, with only a few seagulls remaining. A) bustling B) crowded C) deserted D) vibrant E) populous

  5. Please check if there are any appointments _______ for an immediate consultation with the doctor. A) occupied B) booked C) available D) taken E) reserved

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The old building had no residents and was completely empty for many years. (Rewrite using "vacant")

  2. The human resources department announced that the Senior Marketing Manager position was currently unfilled. (Rewrite using a related form of "vacant")

  3. When she looked at the shelf, it was completely without books. (Rewrite, but do not use "vacant" or its related forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vacant
  2. vacant
  3. empty
  4. available

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Available, E) Free
  2. C) open, E) currently unfilled
  3. B) The university library has a vacant study room on the third floor., D) The administrative office announced a vacant research assistantship., E) The research team identified several vacant data fields in the survey.
  4. C) deserted
  5. C) available

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The old building had been vacant for many years.
  2. The human resources department announced the vacancy for the Senior Marketing Manager position.
  3. When she looked at the shelf, it was completely empty.

Comment ()