vain

UK: /ˈveɪn/ US: /veɪn/ ,(vān)

Inflections of 'vain' (adj):

vainer

adj comparative

vainest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

vain /veɪn/   adj., -er, -est. 

1. overly proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.
2. ineffectual or unsuccessful;
   useless;
   futile:
   vain efforts.

Idioms

3. 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 © 2026

vain (vān),  adj., -er, -est. 

1. excessively proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.;
   conceited:
   a vain dandy.
2. proceeding from or showing personal vanity:
   vain remarks.
3. ineffectual or unsuccessful;
   futile:
   a vain effort.
4. without real significance, value, or importance;
   baseless or worthless:
   vain pageantry; vain display.
5. [Archaic.] senseless or foolish.
6. 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

vain′ly, adv. 
vain′ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. egotistical, self-complacent, vainglorious, proud, arrogant, overweening.
• 3. fruitless, unavailing.
• 4. unimportant, trivial, trifling, nugatory. See useless. 

Antonyms

• 1. humble.
• 3. useful.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

vain / veɪn/ adjective

1. inordinately proud of one's appearance, possessions, or achievements
2. given to ostentatious display, esp of one's beauty
3. worthless
4. senseless or futile

noun

1. in vain ⇒ to no avail; fruitlessly
2. take someone's name in vain ⇒ to mention someone's name

Etymology: 13th Century: via Old French from Latin vānus

ˈvainly adverb

ˈvainness noun