vain

[veɪn]

vain Definition

• 1. having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth
• 2. producing 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

• conceited
• arrogant
• egotistical
• useless
• fruitless
• pointless
• self-important
• futile

Antonyms for vain

• humble
• modest
• useful
• effective
• productive
• self-effacing

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.