vain definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

vain [ vayn ] (comparative vain·er, superlative vain·est)

adjective

Definition:

1. excessively proud: excessively proud, especially of personal appearance

2. unsuccessful: failing to have or unlikely to have the intended or desired result

a vain attempt to escape

3. empty of substance: devoid of substance or meaning

[14th century. Via Old French< Latin vanus "empty, without substance"]

vain·ly adverb

vain·ness noun

in vain

1. fruitlessly, pointlessly, or unsuccessfully

We searched in vain for a solution.

2. in a disrespectful or blasphemous way

Spelling Note


	vain, vane, or vein? Do not confuse the spelling of vain, vane, and vein, which sound similar. Vain is an adjective meaning "excessively proud," "unsuccessful," or "devoid of meaning," as in a vain man, a vain hope, vain threats; it is also used in the phrase in vain, as in trying in vain to reach them. Vane is a noun denoting a flat rotating blade or the flat part of a feather; a weather vane indicates the direction of the wind. Vein is chiefly used as a noun, denoting a blood vessel, a similar structure in a leaf or an insect's wing, a layer of ore in rock, or a streak in something such as marble, wood, or cheese.