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WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024vain /veɪn/USA pronunciation adj., -er, -est. - overly proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.
- ineffectual or unsuccessful;
useless;
futile:vain efforts.
Idioms- Idioms in vain:
- without effect;
to no purpose:All the work was in vain. - in an improper or irreverent manner:to take God's name in vain.
vain•ly, adv. WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024vain (vān),USA pronunciation adj., -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. - [Archaic.]senseless or foolish.
- in vain:
- without effect or avail;
to no purpose:to apologize in vain. - in an improper or irreverent manner:to take God's name in vain.
- Latin vānus empty, vain
- Old French
- Middle English 1250–1300
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged egotistical, self-complacent, vainglorious, proud, arrogant, overweening.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged fruitless, unavailing.
- 4.See corresponding entry in Unabridged unimportant, trivial, trifling, nugatory. See useless.
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged humble.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged useful.
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