WordWeb Online

1. Characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
   "vain about her clothes"
   - conceited, egotistic, egotistical, self-conceited, swollen, swollen-headed, swellheaded [N. Amer]
    
2. Unproductive of success
   "a vain attempt"
   - bootless, fruitless, futile, sleeveless

Sounds like: vane, vein

Derived forms: vainer, vainest

See also: proud, unproductive, vainly, vanity

Encyclopedia: Vain