EnglishMain Dictionary
vain
Universal Words
adjective
1 that does not produce the result you want
SYNUSELESS:
She closed her eyes tightly in a vain attempt to hold back the tears. * I knocked loudly in the vain hope that someone might answer.
2 (disapproving) too proud of your own appearance, abilities or achievements
SYNCONCEITED:
She's too vain to wear glasses.
seealsoVANITY
IDIOMS
in vain without success:
They tried in vain to persuade her to go. * She waited in vain for her son to return. * All our efforts were in vain.
moreatNAMEn.
