vain

adjective

1. 1

   Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.

   Every writer is a narcissist. This does not mean that he is vain; it only means that he is hopelessly self-absorbed.

2. 2

   Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.

   I will not hear thy vain excuse

   Let no man deceive you with vain words.

   Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.

3. 3

   Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.

   vain toil a vain attempt

   Vain is the force of man / To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.

   At our old pastimes in the hall ⁠We gambol’d, making vain pretence ⁠Of gladness, with an awful sense Of one mute Shadow watching all.

   But Sophia's mother was not the woman to brook defiance. After a few moments' vain remonstrance her husband complied. His manner and appearance were suggestive of a satiated sea-lion.

4. 4

   Showy; ostentatious.

   Yet ſhall (my Lord) your juſt, your noble Rules / Fill half the land with imitating Fools: / VVho random dravvings from your ſheets ſhall take, / And of one beauty many blunders make; / Load ſome vain Church with old Theatric State, / Turn Arcs of Triumph to a Garden-gate, […]

verb

1. 1

   datedTo frustrate.

Forms

comparative

vainer, more vain

superlative

vainest, most vain

past tense

vained

past participle

vained

present participle

vaining

third person singular

vains