01 a. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
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1.
Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.“Every man walketh in a vain show.” — Ps. xxxix. 6.“Let no man deceive you with vain words.” — Eph. v. 6.“Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!” — Shak.“Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.” — Milton.
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2.
Destitute of force or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.“Bring no more vain oblations.” — Isa. i. 13.“Vain is the force of man To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.” — Dryden.
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3.
Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated.“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?” — James ii. 20 (Rev. Ver.).“The minstrels played on every side, Vain of their art.” — Dryden.
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4.
Showy; ostentatious.“Load some vain church with old theatric state.” — Pope.
Syn.
Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal; shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant; deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling.