Vain: meaning, definitions and examples

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vain

[veɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

self-importance

Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth.

Synonyms

arrogant, conceited, egotistical, self-centered.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vain	Used when describing someone who is overly concerned with their appearance or achievements. She is so vain; she spends hours looking in the mirror. His vain attempts to get everyone's attention were noticeable.
conceited	Used for someone who has an excessively high opinion of their own abilities or worth, often showing in their behavior. His conceited remarks about his own intelligence were off-putting. She was conceited and believed she was the best at everything.
egotistical	Describes a person who is excessively self-centered and self-absorbed, often to the detriment of considering others' feelings. His egotistical behavior alienated his friends. She is so egotistical; she talks only about herself.
self-centered	Refers to someone who is primarily focused on their own needs and concerns, often ignoring the needs of others. He is too self-centered to realize how his actions affect others. She has a self-centered mindset that makes her a difficult team player.
arrogant	Describes someone who thinks they are better or more important than others. He was so arrogant that he wouldn't listen to anyone else's ideas. Her arrogant attitude made her unpopular among her colleagues.

Examples of usage

She was so vain that she spent hours in front of the mirror.
His vain attempts to impress her were laughable.
Don't be so vain - nobody cares about your new haircut.
The actor's vain attitude made it difficult for others to work with him.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a useless manner

Without success or a result.

Synonyms

fruitlessly, ineffectively, unsuccessfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vain	Used when a strong effort has been made but without success, often suggesting that the effort was futile. It can also imply an element of arrogance or self-importance. He tried in vain to change her mind He made a vain attempt to win the game
fruitlessly	Conveys that an effort or action did not yield any results, often used in situations where time and resources have been wasted. They searched fruitlessly for hours Despite their best efforts, they worked fruitlessly on the project
unsuccessfully	Describes an attempt that did not achieve its goal, often used in general situations where failure is a possibility. She tried unsuccessfully to start the car He applied for the job unsuccessfully
ineffectively	Indicates that an action or method failed to produce the desired effect or outcome, often used in a professional or task-oriented setting. The committee worked ineffectively to solve the issue The medication was used ineffectively for treating the illness

Examples of usage

She searched the room in vain for her lost earring.
He tried in vain to fix the broken machine.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'vain' originates from the Latin word 'vanus', meaning empty or worthless, illustrating the emptiness that can come from excessive pride.
In Middle English, 'vain' meant 'empty', which reflects the idea of being filled with self-importance but lacking in substance.
The use of 'vain' has evolved over time, but the core idea of emptiness has remained central to its meaning.

Psychology

Research suggests that people who exhibit vain traits may be insecure and use arrogance as a shield against their self-doubt.
The psychological concept of 'narcissism' is closely related to vanity, where individuals overvalue their own importance and attractiveness.
Vain behavior can lead to social isolation, as others may feel alienated by someone who continuously seeks admiration.

Literature

William Shakespeare's characters often personify vanity, where vanity leads to tragic flaws, such as in 'Hamlet' where characters' self-obsession leads to downfall.
In classic stories, the archetype of the 'vain person' serves as a moral lesson about the emptiness of excessive pride and the value of humility.
Modern novels frequently explore vanity as a driving force that shapes characters' motivations and influences their relationships.

Pop Culture

Various celebrity culture showcases vanity, with high-profile figures often being scrutinized for their obsession with appearance and public image.
Films and series like 'The Devil Wears Prada' critique the fashion industry’s emphasis on vanity and the sacrifices people make in pursuit of beauty.
Songs like 'Vain' by the band 'The Black Crowes' explore themes of self-importance and the negative consequences it can have on relationships.

Philosophy

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche discussed vanity as a form of self-deception, questioning the authenticity of those who seek validation through appearances.
In many philosophical traditions, vanity is viewed as a moral vice, suggesting that true value lies beyond mere looks or status.
The notion of vanity raises ethical discussions about self-worth and societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards.

Translations

Translations of the word "vain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vaidoso

🇮🇳 व्यर्थ

🇩🇪 eitel

🇮🇩 sia-sia

🇺🇦 марний

🇵🇱 próżny

🇯🇵 うぬぼれた

🇫🇷 vaniteux

🇪🇸 vano

🇹🇷 boş

🇰🇷 헛된

🇸🇦 عبث

🇨🇿 marný

🇸🇰 márny

🇨🇳 徒劳的

🇸🇮 nečimrn

🇮🇸 fánýt

🇰🇿 бос

🇬🇪 უაზრო

🇦🇿 boş

🇲🇽 vano

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,920, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3917 approaching
3918 loud
3919 uncertain
3920 vain
3921 strip
3922 laser
3923 pine
...