Vain

/veɪn/ · adjective

Meaning

Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason..

Definitions by Sense

1. Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.
2. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
3. Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.
4. Showy; ostentatious.
5. (transitive, rare, dated, obsolete) To frustrate.

Example Sentences

Every writer is a narcissist. This does not mean that he is vain; it only means that he is hopelessly self-absorbed.

I will not hear thy vain excuse

Let no man deceive you with vain words.

Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.

vain toil    a vain attempt

Vain is the force of man / To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.

At our old pastimes in the hall ⁠We gambol’d, making vain pretence ⁠Of gladness, with an awful sense Of one mute Shadow watching all.

But Sophia's mother was not the woman to brook defiance. After a few moments' vain remonstrance her husband complied. His manner and appearance were suggestive of a satiated sea-lion.

Synonyms for vain

Antonyms for vain

Related Words

Word Forms

• vainer
• more vain
• vainest
• most vain
• wayn
• vains
• vaining
• vained

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions