# vanity

/ˈvænəti/ (US) · /vˈænɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vanity
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. excessive pride

noun · CEFR B2

having too much pride in your own appearance, abilities, or achievements.

For teachers: excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

- His vanity was so great that he couldn't walk past a mirror without looking at himself.
- The politician's vanity eventually became his downfall, as he refused to listen to any advice that contradicted his own high opinion of himself.

### 2. a dressing table

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a small table with a mirror that you use when putting on makeup or fixing your hair.

For teachers: a piece of bedroom furniture consisting of a low table and a mirror, used while applying makeup or grooming.

- She sat at her vanity every morning to brush her hair and put on her jewelry.
- The antique vanity featured intricate wood carvings and a heavy crystal mirror that had been passed down through three generations.

Usage: Countable noun.

Teaching tip: In British English, 'dressing table' is the standard term for this piece of furniture.

### 3. a bathroom cabinet

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a cabinet under a bathroom sink that hides the pipes and provides storage.

For teachers: a bathroom unit consisting of a washbasin set into a flat top with cupboards or drawers underneath.

- We chose a marble top for the new bathroom vanity during the renovation.
- The contractor suggested a double vanity for the master bathroom to provide sufficient storage and counter space for the couple.

Usage: Countable noun.

### 4. worthlessness

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the quality of being useless or having no real value.

For teachers: the quality of being worthless, futile, or lacking in real value. Often used in literary or religious contexts.

- The poet wrote about the vanity of chasing fame and money.
- The philosopher argued that the pursuit of material wealth was mere vanity in the face of eternal truths.

Usage: Uncountable noun.

Teaching tip: Often encountered in the phrase 'vanity of vanities' from biblical literature.

## Examples

- His vanity prevents him from wearing his glasses in public.
- The actor's vanity was so great that he insisted on approving every single photo used for the film's promotion.
- The philosopher argued that human vanity is the primary driver of social competition, as people strive to project an image of success that exceeds their actual merit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.