WordLens

vain

1 of 1adjective
/veɪn/
Forms:vainer,vainest
1

taking great pride in one's abilities, appearance, etc.

C1
  • Despite his lack of talent, he was vain enough to believe he was the best singer in the group.
  • The actress's vain behavior made it difficult for her co-stars to work with her.
  • He was so vain about his physical appearance that he refused to leave the house without perfect grooming.
  • She was so vain about her intelligence that she dismissed others' opinions as inferior to her own.
  • She was so vain that she spent hours in front of the mirror, obsessing over her appearance.
2

not producing any successful outcome

  • She made a vain effort to change his mind, but he was already determined.
  • The vain struggle to save the old building was ultimately unsuccessful.
  • Their vain bid to win the contract ended in disappointment.
  • The vain hope that the weather would clear up was quickly dashed by the storm.
  • She made a vain effort to change his mind, but he remained stubborn.