1
: not filled, used, or lived in
These lockers/seats are all vacant.
There were no vacant apartments in the building. [=there were no empty apartments available to be rented]
The children played in the vacant lot [=a piece of land that is not being used] between the two buildings.
2
formal, of a job or position
: not occupied by a person : available to be taken by someone
The seat/post/position was left vacant when the secretary resigned.
The position will become vacant next year. = (Brit) The position will fall vacant next year.
(Brit) I found my job through the situations vacant [=(US) help wanted] section of the newspaper.
3
: showing no indication of what someone is thinking, feeling, etc.
He had a vacant expression on his face.
a vacant stare/smile/look
Cite this Entry
“Vacant.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/vacant. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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