having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth, producing no result; useless

in vain, take someone's name in vain, make a vain attempt

Formal and Informal Expressions of vain

In different contexts, you can replace 'vain' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'fruitless, ineffective' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'useless, pointless' is a commonplace synonym.

vain: Explore its Definition & Usage

vain Definition

1having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth
2producing no result; useless

Using vain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She was so vain that she spent hours in front of the mirror every day.
Example
His attempts to impress her were in vain.
Example
All his efforts to find a job were in vain.
Example
The search for survivors was in vain.

vain Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for vain

Antonyms for vain

Phrases with vain

in vain
without success or a desired result
Example
He tried in vain to convince her to stay.
take someone's name in vain
to use someone's name in a disrespectful or irreverent way
Example
It is not appropriate to take the Lord's name in vain.
make a vain attempt
to try to do something that is impossible or unlikely to succeed
Example
He made a vain attempt to climb the mountain without any equipment.

Origins of vain

from Old French 'vain', meaning 'empty, futile'

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Summary: vain in Brief

The term 'vain' [veɪn] describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves or their appearance, as well as something that produces no result. It is often used in phrases like 'in vain,' meaning without success, and 'take someone's name in vain,' meaning to use someone's name in a disrespectful way.