English · Word Candidate

vanity

/ˈvænɪti/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: vanities

Sense 1

Meaning · English

That which is vain, futile, or worthless; that which is of no value, use or profit.

Noun

Examples

Then I said in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me and why then was I more wise? Then I said in my heart that this is also vanity. / For there is no more remembrance of the wise than the fool forever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten.

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).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own abilities, appearance, achievements, or possessions.

Noun

Examples

To make a man in love with you gives an instant hold on his vanity; and with that, you can do any thing. Vanity is the real lever with which Archimedes said he could move the earth; so, try what you can effect with Sir Robert.

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).

Common questions

What does “vanity” mean?

That which is vain, futile, or worthless; that which is of no value, use or profit.

Is “vanity” formal or informal?

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