vain

adjegotistical

adjfutile, useless

Synonyms for vain

adj egotistical

Antonyms for vain

Word Origin & History

c.1300, "devoid of real value, idle, unprofitable," from Old French vein "worthless," from Latin vanus "idle, empty," from PIE *wa-no-, from root *eue- "to leave, abandon, give out" (cf. Old English wanian "to lessen," wan "deficient;" Old Norse vanta "to lack;" Latin vacare "to be empty," vastus "empty, waste;" Avestan va- "lack," Persian vang "empty, poor;" Sanskrit una- "deficient"). Meaning "conceited" first recorded 1690s, from earlier sense of "silly, idle, foolish" (late 14c.). Phrase in vain "to no effect" (c.1300, after Latin in vanum) preserves the original sense. Related: Vainly.

Example Sentences for vain

Ambrose felt almost despairing as he heard in vain the last name.

But, bound as he was, we can understand why they looked in vain.

Weary and restless with vain waiting, they looked from the doorway at the weather.

You look in vain for any outward signs of profligacy or debauchery.

O the words of kindness, all to be expressed in vain, that flowed from her lips!

To attempt to eliminate fear and retain this concept of God is vain.

Williams, Gunby, and Howard, all strove in vain to bring it to order.

Some men are as vain as any women, and Corney was one of those some.

She strove her mightiest to rid herself of them, but in vain.

And this poet was proud, and vain, and in love with all distinctions.

vain

Synonyms for vain

Antonyms for vain

arrogant

barren

bigheaded

bootless

cockier

vain

Synonyms .css-1u0ksf7{color:#d9d9d9;}for vain

Antonyms for vain

More words related to vain

.css-1unrqcp{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}abortive

arrogant

barren

bigheaded

bootless

cockier

Synonyms for vain

abortive