Antonyms of adj vain
2 senses of vain
Sense 1
conceited, egotistic, egotistical, self-conceited, swollen, swollen-headed, vain -- (characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance; "a conceited fool"; "an attitude of self-conceited arrogance"; "an egotistical disregard of others"; "so swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty"; "growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary"; "vain about her clothes")
INDIRECT (VIA proud) -> humble -- (marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful; "a humble apology"; "essentially humble...and self-effacing, he achieved the highest formal honors and distinctions"- B.K.Malinowski)
Sense 2
bootless, fruitless, futile, sleeveless, vain -- (unproductive of success; "a fruitless search"; "futile years after her artistic peak"; "a sleeveless errand"; "a vain attempt")
INDIRECT (VIA unproductive) -> productive -- (producing or capable of producing (especially abundantly); "productive farmland"; "his productive years"; "a productive collaboration")
Similarity of adj vain
2 senses of vain
Sense 1
conceited, egotistic, egotistical, self-conceited, swollen, swollen-headed, vain -- (characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance; "a conceited fool"; "an attitude of self-conceited arrogance"; "an egotistical disregard of others"; "so swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty"; "growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary"; "vain about her clothes")
=> proud (vs. humble) -- (feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride; "proud parents"; "proud of his accomplishments"; "a proud moment"; "proud to serve his country"; "a proud name"; "proud princes")
Sense 2
bootless, fruitless, futile, sleeveless, vain -- (unproductive of success; "a fruitless search"; "futile years after her artistic peak"; "a sleeveless errand"; "a vain attempt")
=> unproductive (vs. productive) -- (not producing or capable of producing; "elimination of high-cost or unproductive industries")