Definition of 'vain'

Word Frequency

vain

(veɪn )

Word forms: comparative vainer , superlative vainest

1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

A vain attempt or action is one that fails to achieve what was intended.

The drafting committee worked through the night in a vain attempt to finish on schedule.

I was singing in a vain effort to cheer him up.

Synonyms: futile, useless, pointless, unsuccessful More Synonyms of vain

vainly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

He hunted vainly through his pockets for a piece of paper.

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

If you describe a hope that something will happen as a vain hope, you mean that there is no chance of it happening.

He glanced around in the vain hope that there were no witnesses.

vainly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

He then set out for Virginia for what he vainly hoped would be a peaceful retirement.

3. adjective

If you describe someone as vain, you are critical of their extreme pride in their own beauty, intelligence, or other good qualities.

[disapproval]

I think he is shallow, vain and untrustworthy.

See in vain

More Synonyms of vain

Video: pronunciation of
vain

vain in British English

(veɪn )

adjective

inordinately proud of one's appearance, possessions, or achievements

given to ostentatious display, esp of one's beauty

worthless

senseless or futile

noun

5. See in vain

6. See take someone's name in vain

Derived forms

vainly (ˈvainly)

adverb

vainness (ˈvainness)

noun

Word origin

C13: via Old French from Latin vānus

Word Frequency

vain in American English

(veɪn )

adjective

having no real value or significance; worthless, empty, idle, hollow, etc.

vain pomp

without force or effect; futile, fruitless, unprofitable, unavailing, etc.

a vain endeavor

having or showing an excessively high regard for one's self, looks, possessions, ability, etc.; indulging in or resulting from personal vanity; conceited

4. Archaic

lacking in sense; foolish

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈfutile

Idioms:

in vain

SYNONYMY NOTE: vain, in this connection, applies to that which has little or no real value, worth, or meaning [vain studies]; idle refers to that which is baseless or worthless because it can never be realized [idle hopes, idle talk]; empty, hollow are used of that which only appears to be genuine, sincere, worthwhile, etc. [empty threats, hollow pleasures]; otiose applies to that which has no real purpose or function and is therefore useless or superfluous [otiose remarks]

Derived forms

vainness (ˈvainness)

noun

Word origin

OFr < L vanus, empty, vain: see want

Word Frequency

vain in American English

(vein)

adjectiveWord forms: -er, -est

excessively proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.; conceited

a vain dandy

proceeding from or showing personal vanity

vain remarks

ineffectual or unsuccessful; futile

a vain effort

without real significance, value, or importance; baseless or worthless

vain pageantry

vain display

5. archaic

senseless or foolish

6. See in vain

Derived forms

vainly

adverb

vainness

noun

Word origin

[1250–1300; ME ‹ OF ‹ L vānus empty, vain]

Examples of 'vain' in a sentence
vain

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That should also be a vain hope.The Year 9 pupil was taken to hospital where doctors spent four days battling in vain to save him.We hug the coastline in a vain attempt to seek shelter from the wind.Please do not allow him to die in vain.Vets tried in vain to save two others.When they finally realise such efforts are in vain they fulfil them by rote through gritted teeth.Miles will not have died in vain.Residents said his brother was screaming hysterically as paramedics fought in vain to save him.He had also removed the radio and batteries from the aircraft in a vain attempt to call for help.Other companies will have to act on costs after months of hanging on in the vain hope of a revival.