vainness
/veɪnˈnɛs/
NOUN
1. Excessive pride and self-admiration
The quality or state of having an excessively high opinion of oneself, one's appearance, abilities, or achievements, often accompanied by an exaggerated desire for admiration.
1.1. Arrogance and conceit
An exaggerated sense of one's own importance, superiority, or abilities, often resulting in an attitude of pride, haughtiness, or disdain toward others.
Synonyms
- arrogance
- conceit
- conceitedness
- haughtiness
- hubris
- egotism
- egocentricity
- egomania
- megalomania
- bighead
- disdainfulness
- imperiousness
- lordliness
- pomposity
- pompousness
- pride
- pridefulness
- smugness
- snobbishness
- superciliousness
- superiority
- swellheadedness
Antonyms
- humility
- humbleness
- modesty
- bashfulness
- demureness
- diffidence
- shyness
- timidity
- timidness
Examples
- The actor's constant preoccupation with his image revealed a certain level of vainness.
- The politician's speeches were criticized for their excessive vainness, lacking substance.
Related Words
- ego
- egoism
- self-absorption
- self-centeredness
- self-conceit
- self-importance
- self-righteousness
- self-worship
- narcissism
- self-admiration
- self-regard
- self-satisfaction
- self-love
1.2. Excessive self-admiration and vanity
An excessive preoccupation with one's own appearance, qualities, accomplishments, or reputation, involving constant self-praise and admiration.
Synonyms
- amour propre
- amour-propre
- self-admiration
- self-assumption
- self-assurance
- self-centeredness
- self-conceit
- self-confidence
- self-congratulation
- self-esteem
- self-glory
- self-importance
- self-love
- self-opinion
- self-possession
- self-pride
- self-regard
- self-respect
- self-satisfaction
- self-worship
- complacence
- complacency
- vanity
- vaingloriousness
- vainglory
Antonyms
- self-disgust
- self-doubt
- self-hate
- self-loathing
- humility
- modesty
Examples
- She gazed into the mirror, contemplating the perceived vainness of her appearance.
- Despite her accomplishments, she approached life with humility, devoid of unnecessary vainness.
- In the quiet reflection of the garden, he pondered the fleeting nature of beauty and the illusion of vainness.
Related Words
- narcissism
- egotism
- egocentrism
- self-preoccupation
- self-contentment
- self-interest
- self-indulgence
- self-glorification
- self-concern
- self-partiality
1.3. Boastfulness and self-glorification
The tendency to exaggerate one's achievements or importance through boasting, bragging, and showy displays intended to attract admiration.
Synonyms
- boastfulness
- boasting
- bragging
- gasconade
- vaunting
- self-assertion
- ostentation
- pretence
- pretense
- pretension
- pretentiousness
- presumption
- assurance
- swelled head
Antonyms
- modesty
- humility
- unselfishness
- altruism
Related Words
- self-aggrandizement
- self-promotion
- self-glorification
- swagger
- strutting
- grandiosity
- pomposity
- braggadocio
NOUN
2. Futility or lack of usefulness
The quality or state of being ineffective, pointless, or incapable of producing a useful or worthwhile result.
2.1. Uselessness and ineffectiveness
The condition of having little or no practical value or effectiveness, especially when an effort or action fails to produce a meaningful result.
Synonyms
- bootlessness
- ineffectiveness
- ineffectuality
- unprofitableness
- uselessness
- worthlessness
- pointlessness
- fruitlessness
- meaninglessness
- emptiness
- hollowness
- senselessness
- frivolousness
Related Words
- futility
- futility-related
- unavailingness
- inefficacy
- inefficaciousness
- ineffectualness
- unprofitability
- nonachievement
- nonsuccess
- hopelessness
- inadequacy
- insufficiency
- barrenness
- abortiveness
- failure
- disappointment