vainness

Variant of vain

vain definition

vain (vān)

adjective

  1. having no real value or significance; worthless, empty, idle, hollow, etc. vain pomp
  2. without force or effect; futile, fruitless, unprofitable, unavailing, etc. a vain endeavor
  3. having or showing an excessively high regard for one's self, looks, possessions, ability, etc.; indulging in or resulting from personal vanity; conceited
  4. Archaic lacking in sense; foolish

Etymology: OFr < L vanus, empty, vain: see want

Related Forms:

vain Idioms

in vain

  1. fruitlessly; vainly
  2. lightly; profanely; irreverently

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook