The meaning of VAIN is having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements : conceited. How to use vain in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Vain.

VAIN definition: excessively proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.; conceited. See examples of vain used in a sentence.

vain adjective [-er/-est only] (SELFISH) too proud of yourself, esp. in your appearance or achievements (Definition of vain from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Vain is from Latin vanus, "empty," and in English it originally meant "lacking value or effect, futile," like your vain attempt to find a pencil in your messy, overstuffed backpack. Likewise, the phrase "in vain" …

1. To no avail; without success: Our labor was in vain. 2. In an irreverent or disrespectful manner: took the Lord's name in vain.

Definition of vain adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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

Oct 8, 2025 · Vain (adjective): Marked by lack of substance or value; empty or idle. The word "vain" describes someone who is excessively proud of their appearance or achievements, showing vanity …

vain is a borrowing from French. Etymons: French vein. What is the earliest known use of the word vain? The earliest known use of the word vain is in the Middle English period (1150—1500). OED's earliest …

1. egotistical, self-complacent, vainglorious, proud, arrogant, overweening. 3. fruitless, unavailing. 4. unimportant, trivial, trifling, nugatory. See useless. 1. humble. 3. useful. Synonyms: egotistical, …