vain meaning and definition

VAIN adjective

Definition of vain (adjective)

1. characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
   • "a conceited fool"; "an attitude of self-conceited arrogance"; "an egotistical disregard of others"; "so swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty"; "growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary"; "vain about her clothes"
   • synonyms: conceited, egotistic, egotistical, self-conceited, swollen, swollen-headed
2. unproductive of success
   • "a fruitless search"; "futile years after her artistic peak"; "a sleeveless errand"; "a vain attempt"
   • synonyms: bootless, fruitless, futile, sleeveless