English · Word Candidate

vain

/veɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: vainer · vainest

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.

Adjective

Every writer is a narcissist. This does not mean that he is vain; it only means that he is hopelessly self-absorbed.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.

Adjective

I will not hear thy vain excuse

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “vain” mean?

Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.

Is “vain” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.