AskEraser  |  Settings
Ask.com   
 


Synonyms
vain (vān)

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin vānus, empty.]

adjective: vain·er, vain·est. 

  1. Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless: a vain attempt.
  2. Lacking substance or worth: vain talk.
  3. Excessively proud of one's appearance or accomplishments; conceited.
  4. Archaic Foolish.

idioms

in vain
To no avail; without success: Our labor was in vain. In an irreverent or disrespectful manner: took the Lord's name in vain.

derivatives

vaińly
adverb
vaińness
noun

synonyms:

vain, empty, hollow, idle, nugatory, otiose These adjectives mean lacking value or substance: vain regrets; empty pleasures; hollow threats; idle dreams; nugatory commentaries; an otiose belief in alchemy.
See also: futile