Adjective

(en-adj)

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

* (rfdate) Leo Rosten

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

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

* (William Shakespeare) (1564-1616)

thy vain excuse

* Bible, (w) v. 6

Let no man deceive you with vain words.

* (John Milton) (1608-1674)

Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.

Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.

* (John Dryden) (1631-1700)

Vain is the force of man / To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.

* (rfdate) William of Occam

It is vain to do with more what can be done with fewer.

*{{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)

, chapter=6, title= A Cuckoo in the Nest , passage=But Sophia's mother was not the woman to brook defiance. After a few moments' vain remonstrance her husband complied. His manner and appearance were suggestive of a satiated sea-lion.}}

Showy; ostentatious.

* (Alexander Pope) (1688-1744)

Load some vain church with old theatric state.

Adjective

(head)

Practiced; self-conscious; careful.

*{{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers), title=(A Cuckoo in the Nest)

, chapter=1 citation , passage=He read the letter aloud. Sophia listened with the studied air of one for whom, even in these days, a title possessed some surreptitious allurement.}}