Added 9 October 2026
vain
/veɪn/ adjective
In Latin: vānus, cassus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about vain at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.
- Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
-
Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.
vain toil a vain attempt
verb
- To frustrate. (The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:)
Origin
From Middle English veyn, from Old French vain, from Latin vānus (“empty”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)