plural vanities
1
: the quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. : the quality of being vain
The handsome actor's vanity was well-known.
She described her accomplishments without exaggeration or vanity.
personal vanity
2
: something (such as a belief or a way of behaving) which shows that you have too much pride in yourself, your social status, etc.
—usually plural
the vanities of the wealthy and powerful
3
4
formal + literary
: the quality of being worthless or unimportant when compared to very serious things
the vanity of human labors/wishes
Cite this Entry
“Vanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/vanity. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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