B1adjectiveemotionsrelationships
US/veɪn/
UK/veɪn/
too proud of how you look or what you can do; also, failing to get the result you wanted
In context
He's so vain that he checks his hair in every mirror he passes.
Firefighters made a vain attempt to save the old wooden house.
I searched in vain for my keys and finally called a locksmith.
Words that go with vain
verb + preposition
- in vainThey waited in vain for the bus and finally took a taxi.
adjective + noun
- vain attemptIn a vain attempt to look younger, he dyed his hair black.
- vain hopeShe called again in the vain hope that he would answer.
- vain effortFixing the old printer was a vain effort, so we bought a new one.
adverb + adjective
- so vainDon't be so vain; nobody is looking at your new shoes.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
All my effort was in vain to pass the exam.Correct: All my effort to pass the exam was in vain.