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Definition of vain

vain

/veɪn/
vain
Adverb:vainly
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vain Lexical Profile

vain Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's own appearance, abilities, or worth.

Example

"He was too vain to wear his reading glasses in public."

2

Producing no result; useless or unsuccessful.

Example

"The rescue team made a vain attempt to reach the climbers before nightfall."

3

Having no real substance, value, or significance; empty or idle.

Example

"Voters quickly grew tired of the candidate's vain boasts and hollow promises."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'vain' with its homophones 'vein' (a blood vessel or mineral streak) and 'vane' (a rotating blade that shows wind direction).

• Rhymes for vain

• Nearby Words

vah
vah river
vaigai
vain
vainly
vainness
vajrai

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'vain', from Latin 'vanus' meaning 'empty, void, or idle', which is related to 'vacuus' ('empty').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vain
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