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)

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

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.

in an improper or irreverent manner: to take God's name in vain. conceited: a vain dandy. proceeding from or showing personal vanity: vain remarks. futile: a vain effort. baseless or worthless: vain …

Jan 20, 2026 · Adjective vain (comparative vainer or more vain, superlative vainest or most vain) Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own …

Oct 8, 2025 · The word "vain" describes someone who is excessively proud of their appearance or achievements, showing vanity or conceit. It can also mean something that is ineffective, futile, or …

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

They made a vain [= unsuccessful] attempt to escape. A vain effort to quell the public's fears only made matters worse. Volunteers searched the area in the vain hope of finding clues.