vain
/veɪn/
adjective
🇬🇧 UK
/veɪn/
🇺🇸 US
/veɪn/
Meaning
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Meaning 1 · adjective
Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.
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Meaning 2 · adjective
Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
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Meaning 3 · adjective
Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.
“vain toil; a vain attempt”
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Meaning 4 · adjective
Showy; ostentatious.
How this word is used
- Everyday “vain toil; a vain attempt”
- Academic “In academic writing, “vain” can carry a precise technical sense.”
- Business “In business contexts, “vain” should be used only when the meaning is unambiguous.”
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Origin
Origin information unavailable.