Vain can mean unsuccessful, of no value, or too proud of yourself. Learn how to use it in different contexts with synonyms, antonyms, and examples from the Cambridge Dictionary. VAIN meaning : 1 : too proud of your own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. conceited; 2 : having no success not producing a desired result VAIN meaning : 1. unsuccessful; of no value: 2. unsuccessfully: 3. too interested in your own appearance or…. Learn more. Understand the Vain , definitions, grammar, examples of use and its curiosities.