vain

Etymology

From Middle English veyn, from Old French vain, from Latin vānus (“empty”).

adj

  1. Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.
    Every writer is a narcissist. This does not mean that he is vain; it only means that he is hopelessly self-absorbed. 1959, Leo Rosten, The return of H*Y*M*A*N K*A*P*L*A*N
  2. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
  3. Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.
    vain toil    a vain attempt
    But Sophia's mother was not the woman to brook defiance. After a few moments' vain remonstrance her husband complied. His manner and appearance were suggestive of a satiated sea-lion. 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 6, in A Cuckoo in the Nest
  4. Showy; ostentatious.

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