Synonyms for
Vain
Definition
having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth
Synonyms & similar words
bootless
swollen
conceited
egotistic
selfconceited
fruitless
egotistical
swollenheaded
futile
sleeveless
conceited
egotistical
proud
arrogant
self-centered
self-important
smug
ostentatious
showy
boastful
vainglorious
self-satisfied
self-admiring
self-regarding
self-loving
narcissistic
vain-glorious
swollen-headed
big-headed
Synonyms by register
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- in vain
- vain attempt
- vain hope
- vain glory
- vain pursuit
- vain repetition
- vain and foolish
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe someone excessively concerned with their appearance or achievements. The phrase 'in vain' means without success or a useful result.
Example sentences
- He was too vain to wear glasses, even though he could not see clearly.
- She was so vain that she spent all her time taking selfies.
- He made a vain attempt to impress his boss with his new suit.
- She was disappointed when her vain efforts to win the competition failed.
- He was too vain to accept his mistakes and apologize.
Quotes
It is better to be beautiful than to be good, but it is better to be good than to be ugly.
Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously.
Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief.