Meaning & Definition of word "Vain"

to

arrow

    Vain

    /veɪn/

    adjective:

    • 1. Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth.
      • Example: She is so vain that she spends hours in front of the mirror.
    • 2. Producing no result; useless.
      • Example: His efforts to persuade her were in vain.
    • 3. Lacking substance or value.
      • Example: The argument he presented was just a vain attempt to distract from the main issue.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'vain', from Latin 'vanus' which means empty.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    in vain:

    without success or a result

    vain hope:

    a hope that is unlikely to be fulfilled

    vain glory:

    excessive pride in one’s achievements

    Related Words

    vanity:

    excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements

    vainglorious:

    boastful about one's achievements

    vacuous:

    having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence

    Slang Meanings of vain

    Meaning: A person who is overly concerned with their looks.

    Example Sentence: She's such a vain, always taking selfies.

    Meaning: Doing something with no chance of success.

    Example Sentence: Trying to change his mind was a vain effort.