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”

unproductive of success

• “a fruitless search”
• “futile years after her artistic peak”
• “a sleeveless errand”
• “a vain attempt”