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Definition of Vain
1. Adjective. Characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance. "Vain about her clothes"
Similar to: Proud
Derivative terms: Egotism, Egotist, Egotist, Vanity, Vanity, Vanity
2. Adjective. Unproductive of success. "A vain attempt"
Similar to: Unproductive
Derivative terms: Fruitlessness
Definition of Vain
1. a. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
2. n. Vanity; emptiness; -- now used only in the phrase in vain.
3. a. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
4. n. Vanity; emptiness; -- now used only in the phrase in vain.
Definition of Vain
1. Adjective. overly proud of oneself, especially when concerning appearance ¹
2. Adjective. having very little substance ¹
3. Adjective. effecting no purpose; pointless, futile. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Vain
1. filled with undue admiration for oneself [adj VAINER, VAINEST] : VAINLY [adv]
Medical Definition of Vain
1. 1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying. "Thy vain excuse." "Every man walketh in a vain show." (Ps. Xxxix. 6) "Let no man deceive you with vain words." (Eph. V. 6) "Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!" (Shak) "Vain visdom all, and false philosophy." (Milton) 2. Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt. "Bring no more vain oblations." (Isa. I. 13) "Vain is the force of man To crush the pillars which the pile sustain." (Dryden) 3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated. "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?" (James II. 20 (Rev. Ver)) "The minstrels played on every side, Vain of their art." (Dryden) 4. Showy; ostentatious. "Load some vain church with old theatric state." (Pope) Synonym: Empty, worthless, fruitless, ineffectual, idle, unreal, shadowy, showy, ostentatious, light, inconstant, deceitful, delusive, unimportant, trifling. Origin: F. Vain, L. Vanus empty, void, vain. Cf. Vanish, Vanity, Vaunt to boast. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Vain
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