Definition of vain

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vain    (vn) KEY 

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.

IDIOM:
in vain

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

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin vnus, empty; see eu- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
vainly(Adverb), vainness(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 Synonyms at futile.