adj.
Pronunciation: ' v ā n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, empty, futile, from Latin vanus ― more at WANE
Date: 14th century
1 : having no real value : IDLE , WORTHLESS < vain pretensions>
2 : marked by futility or ineffectualness : UNSUCCESSFUL , USELESS < vain efforts to escape>
3 archaic : FOOLISH , SILLY
4 : having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements : CONCEITED
synonyms see FUTILE
– vain · ly adverb
– vain · ness \ ' v ā n-n ə s \ noun
– in vain
1 : to no end : without success or result <her efforts were in vain >
2 : in an irreverent or blasphemous manner <you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain ― Deut 5:11 (RSV)>
synonyms VAIN , NUGATORY , OTIOSE , IDLE , EMPTY , HOLLOW mean being without worth or significance. VAIN implies either absolute or relative absence of value < vain promises>. NUGATORY suggests triviality or insignificance <a monarch with nugatory powers>. OTIOSE suggests that something serves no purpose and is either an encumbrance or a superfluity <a film without a single otiose scene>. IDLE suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect < idle speculations>. EMPTY and HOLLOW suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness <an empty attempt at reconciliation> <a hollow victory>.