26984 words

vain

5 definitions • 7 examples
1

Examples:

The doctors gave him more powerful drugs in the vain hope that he might recover.
formal It was vain to pretend to himself that he was not disappointed.
2
unsuccessfully:

Examples:

I tried in vain to start a conversation.
All the police's efforts to find him were in vain.
3
too interested in your own appearance or achievements:

Examples:

He was very vain about his hair and his clothes.
4

Examples:

Employers clearly hoped that the workers would stay longer, but their efforts were largely in vain (= unsuccessful).
5
too proud of yourself, esp. in your appearance or achievements

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