adjective
1.
devoid of worth or significance
the vain pursuits of a luxurious life
Synonyms: empty, hollow, idle, nugatory, otiose
Related Word: profitless, unprofitable, useless, valueless, void, worthless; ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious; bootless, fruitless; abortive, futile
Contrasted words: useful, valuable, worthy; effective, effectual, efficacious
2.
Synonyms: futile , abortive, bootless, fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, unavailable, unavailing, unproductive, useless
Related Word: paltry, petty, puny, trifling, trivial; delusive, delusory, misleading
3.
having or exhibiting undue or excessive pride especially in one's appearance or achievements
was vain about his clothes
Synonyms: conceited, ||conceity, narcissistic, self-conceited, stuck-up, vainglorious; compare proud 1
Related Word: arrogant, egocentric, egoistic, haughty, ||pensy, proud, self-important, swollen-headed; boastful, self-exalting; coxcombical, dandyish, foppish
Idioms: stuck on oneself
Contrasted words: humble, meek, modest; bashful, diffident, retiring, shy