Vacancy vs. Vacant — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Vacancy refers to the state or condition of being unoccupied, typically used for positions or accommodations, while vacant describes something that is empty or not filled.
Difference Between Vacancy and Vacant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vacancy is a noun that represents an unoccupied position or space, such as a job opening or an empty apartment; on the other hand, vacant is an adjective used to describe the status of something that is unoccupied, like a vacant lot or a vacant stare.
Vacancy often implies a temporary condition, with the expectation of being filled, whereas vacant can describe both temporary and permanent states of emptiness.
In the context of employment, a vacancy refers to an available job that is actively being advertised or is open for applicants, while a room, seat, or building being vacant means it is currently empty and available for use or occupancy.
Vacancy is frequently used in formal or official communications, such as in job listings or real estate, whereas vacant is more broadly used in everyday language to describe empty spaces or expressions.
A vacancy may necessitate action, such as filling the role or space, emphasizing a need or requirement; in contrast, something being vacant might simply state a fact without implying any needed action.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Usage Context
Often used to refer to job openings or unoccupied accommodations.
Used to describe the status of being empty or unoccupied across various contexts.
Implication
Implies availability and the possibility of being filled.
Describes a state or condition, often without indicating future changes.
Formality
More formal, commonly found in business or official settings.
Less formal, widely used in everyday language.
Associated Action
Typically associated with the need to fill a space or position.
Primarily descriptive, not necessarily implying a need for action.
Compare with Definitions
Vacancy
Availability of room or capacity.
We checked for vacancy at the parking lot.
Vacant
Not occupied. empty.
The house has been vacant for months.
Vacancy
An empty space or accommodation.
The hotel has several vacancies this weekend.
Vacant
Showing no signs of occupation or activity.
The vacant streets early in the morning are peaceful.
Vacancy
A state of being vacant.
The store closed, leaving a vacancy in the mall.
Vacant
Free of fixtures, furnishings, or inhabitants.
The apartment is sold as vacant.
Vacancy
A void or gap.
The resignation left a vacancy on the board.
Vacant
Lacking expression or awareness.
He had a vacant look that worried her.
Vacancy
An unoccupied position or job
A vacancy for a shorthand typist
Vacant
Available for occupancy.
The position is vacant and open for applications.
Vacancy
Empty space
Cathy stared into vacancy, seeing nothing
Vacant
(of a place) not occupied; empty
40 per cent of the offices are still vacant
Vacancy
Lack of intelligence or understanding
Vacancy, vanity, and inane deception
Vacant
Having or showing no intelligence or interest
A vacant stare
Vacancy
The condition of being vacant or unoccupied.
Vacant
Containing nothing; empty
Vacant space.
Vacancy
An empty or unoccupied space.
Vacant
Not occupied or put to use
A vacant row of seats.
Vacancy
A position, office, or place of accommodation that is unfilled or unoccupied.
Vacant
Without an incumbent or occupant; unfilled
A vacant position.
Vacancy
Emptiness of mind; inanity.
Vacant
Not filled with any activity
Vacant hours.
Vacancy
A crystal defect caused by the absence of an atom, ion, or molecule in a crystal lattice.
Vacant
(Law) Lacking an identified heir
A vacant estate.
Vacancy
(Archaic) A period of leisure; idleness.
Vacant
Lacking intelligence or knowledge
A vacant mind.
Vacancy
An unoccupied position or job.
Vacant
Lacking expression; blank
A vacant stare.
Vacancy
An available room in a hotel; guest house, etc.
Vacant
Not occupied; empty.
A vacant room
Vacant seats
Vacancy
Empty space.
Vacant
Showing no intelligence or interest.
A vacant stare
A vacant look in her eyes
Vacancy
A blank mind, unoccupied with thought.
Vacant
Deprived of contents; not filled; empty; as, a vacant room.
Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form.
Being of those virtues vacant.
There is no fireside, howsoe'er defended,But has one vacant chair.
Vacancy
Lack of intelligence or understanding.
Vacant
Unengaged with business or care; unemployed; unoccupied; disengaged; free; as, vacant hours.
Religion is the interest of all; but philosophy of those . . . at leisure, and vacant from the affairs of the world.
There was not a minute of the day which he left vacant.
Vacancy
(physics) A defect in a crystal caused by the absence of an atom in a lattice
Vacant
Not filled or occupied by an incumbent, possessor, or officer; unoccupied; as, a vacant throne; a vacant house; a vacant apartment; a vacant parish.
Special dignities which vacant lieFor thy best use and wearing.
Vacancy
The quality or state of being vacant; emptiness; hence, freedom from employment; intermission; leisure; idleness; listlessness.
All dispositions to idleness or vacancy, even before they are habits, are dangerous.
Vacant
Empty of thought; thoughtless; not occupied with study or reflection; as, a vacant mind.
The duke had a pleasant and vacant face.
When on my couch I lieIn vacant or in pensive mood.
Vacancy
That which is vacant.
Vacant
Abandoned; having no heir, possessor, claimant, or occupier; as, a vacant estate.
Vacancy
Empty space; vacuity; vacuum.
How is't with you,That you do bend your eye on vacancy?
Vacant
Void of thought or knowledge;
A vacant mind
Vacancy
An open or unoccupied space between bodies or things; an interruption of continuity; chasm; gap; as, a vacancy between buildings; a vacancy between sentences or thoughts.
Vacant
Without an occupant or incumbent;
The throne is never vacant
Vacancy
Unemployed time; interval of leisure; time of intermission; vacation.
Time lost partly in too oft idle vacancies given both to schools and universities.
No interim, not a minute's vacancy.
Those little vacancies from toil are sweet.
Vacancy
A place or post unfilled; an unoccupied office; as, a vacancy in the senate, in a school, etc.
Vacancy
Being unoccupied
Vacancy
An empty area or space;
The huge desert voids
The emptiness of outer space
Without their support he'll be ruling in a vacuum
Common Curiosities
Is vacancy only applicable to jobs and housing?
While commonly used for jobs and housing, vacancy can apply to any unoccupied position or space.
Can both terms be used interchangeably?
They are not interchangeable; vacancy is a noun, and vacant is an adjective.
How do vacancy and vacant differ in usage?
Vacancy is a noun that often refers to job openings or empty accommodations, while vacant is an adjective used to describe the condition of being unoccupied.
Can a park bench be vacant?
Yes, a park bench can be described as vacant if no one is sitting on it.
What might a vacant expression imply?
A vacant expression might imply a lack of attention, disinterest, or unawareness.
What does vacancy mean?
Vacancy refers to the condition of being empty or unoccupied, especially with reference to jobs or accommodations.
What does vacant mean?
Vacant describes something that is empty or not currently in use.
What indicates a room is vacant in a hotel?
A room is marked as vacant when there is no guest occupying it, often indicated by a sign or a listing in the hotel’s system.
Can vacant apply to emotional states?
While less common, vacant can describe someone’s emotional state as empty or lacking feeling.
What type of vacancies might a company advertise?
A company might advertise job vacancies, indicating open positions needing to be filled.
How is vacancy used in real estate?
In real estate, vacancy refers to properties or spaces available for rent or purchase.
What is the difference between a vacancy sign and a vacant sign?
A "vacancy" sign typically advertises an open job or accommodation, while a "vacant" sign indicates that a space is currently unoccupied.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
