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)

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.

Mar 13, 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 …

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" …

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

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