Definitions

1. adjective

lacking in sense or good judgment; foolish

“She made a vain attempt to fix the broken machine.”

2. noun

a person who is excessively proud of their appearance or accomplishments

“He was known as a vain man who spent hours in front of the mirror.”

3. verb

to spend time or effort on something that is unlikely to succeed

“Don’t vainly try to change the weather with your umbrella.”

4. adverb

in a way that is foolish or unlikely to succeed

“He vainly tried to reach the top shelf by himself.”