vain · adjective /veɪn/
in vain
C1 without any success
Dictionary example:
I tried in vain to start a conversation.
Learner example:
We looked in vain for the guide through three London parks. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)
a vain attempt/effort/hope
C2 A vain attempt/effort, etc. does not have the result you want.
Dictionary example:
I made a vain attempt to engage him in conversation.
Learner example:
Many flew to cities in the vain hope of earning money, thus increasing the number of the homeless . (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)
vain
C2 too interested in your own appearance and thinking you are very attractive
Dictionary example:
He's terribly vain.
Learner example:
Men are vain creatures who worry, maybe exces[s]ively, about beauty and keeping up with standards of beauty set by society. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)
