vainglorious

[ veyn-glawr-ee-uhs, -glohr- ]

adjective

1. filled with or given to vainglory:

   a vainglorious actor.

2. characterized by, showing, or proceeding from vainglory:

   a vainglorious estimate of one's ability.

Other Words From

• vain·glori·ous·ly adverb
• vain·glori·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vainglorious¹

First recorded in 1470–80; vainglory + -ous

Example Sentences

Yossarian's vainglorious commanders raise the number of required missions and raise them again and again.

From The Daily Beast

It is vulgar and it is vainglorious and therefore entirely typical of Palin's political style.

From The Daily Beast

Will Jamie Oliver succeed where the vivacious, vainglorious Gayelord failed?

From The Daily Beast

As vainglorious was Richard Westmacott's retreat from the field of unstricken battle as his advance upon it had been inglorious.

From Project Gutenberg

To have had a pastor always might have made them vainglorious.

From Project Gutenberg

Where formerly they were vainglorious, spiteful and envious, they now become humble, gentle and patient.

From Project Gutenberg

I could cite a number of amusing illustrations of this vainglorious sentiment, but one will suffice.

From Project Gutenberg

He would condescend to that for the sake, on a near day, of publicly humiliating a certain vainglorious jewellery dealer.

From Project Gutenberg