自负的; 爱慕虚荣的 thinking too highly of one's appearance, abilities, etc.; conceited
徒劳的,无用的,无效的 useless or futile
词汇搭配
～+介词
be vain about〔of〕 为…而自负
常用短语
in vain 1.白费地,徒劳无益地uselessly; without a successful result
We tried in vain to make him change his mind.我们试图使他改变主意,结果是白费心机。
2.无效果的,无用的fruitless or useless
It was in vain that we tried to find his mother.我们百般设法找他的母亲,但毫无结果。
句型例句
用作定语
▲～+n.
She is one of those vain people who never take others' advice.她属于那种自负得从不听别人劝告的人。
I don't like a vain woman.我讨厌爱慕虚荣的女人。
He made a vain attempt to reach the drowning child.他试图接近那个快淹死的小孩,但没有成功。
用作表语
▲S+be+～
All my efforts were vain.我的一切努力都白费了。
▲S+be+～+prep.-phrase
He's very vain of his abilities.他对于自己的能力很自负。
▲It is/was+～+to-v
It is vain to resist.抵抗是没用的。
用作宾语补足语
▲S+V+O+～
Too much praise can make a man vain.过度的赞扬会使人自负。
