Vain: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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