Definition of vain adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning , pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. vain (comparative vainer or more vain , superlative vainest or most vain ) Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason. synonyms quotations Synonyms: conceited, flatulent, puffed up, inflated; see also Thesaurus: arrogant, Thesaurus: vain Vain is from Latin vanus, "empty," and in English it originally meant "lacking value or effect, futile," like your vain attempt to find a pencil in your messy, overstuffed backpack. Likewise, the phrase "in vain " means "without success." Vain also means "conceited, too proud of oneself." VAIN meaning : 1 : too proud of your own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. conceited; 2 : having no success not producing a desired result
