vain

5 definitions • 7 examples

unsuccessful; of no value:

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.

unsuccessfully:

I tried in vain to start a conversation.

All the police's efforts to find him were in vain.

too interested in your own appearance or achievements:

He was very vain about his hair and his clothes.

unsuccessful or useless; failing to achieve a purpose:

a vain attempt to avoid responsibility

Employers clearly hoped that the workers would stay longer, but their efforts were largely in vain (= unsuccessful).

too proud of yourself, esp. in your appearance or achievements