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vain

[veɪn]

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?