What does vainglory mean?
Vainglory is a formal word for excessive pride that has become boastful, ostentatious, or hollow. It describes more than ordinary self-confidence: the person is not simply pleased by an achievement but is displaying pride in a way that seeks admiration or signals importance. The word can refer to a personal attitude, such as a speaker’s vainglory, or to a conspicuous public display, such as a grand monument, award ceremony, or performance designed to advertise the subject’s status. Because it carries a strongly negative judgment, vainglory is usually critical rather than neutral or complimentary. It also suggests that the glory may be undeserved, empty, or dependent on appearance. In literary and political contexts, the word often emphasizes the moral dangers of pride, especially pride that blinds someone to judgment or responsibility. Although “vain” alone can mean excessively concerned with appearance, “vainglory” focuses more specifically on inflated pride and its public display. The term is less common in everyday speech than “show-off,” “boasting,” or “self-importance,” but it remains useful when describing a conspicuous or self-defining form of pride.
nounExcessive pride in oneself or one’s achievements, especially when displayed boastfully or ostentatiously. It often implies that the pride is empty, undeserved, or focused on public admiration.
- Excessive pride in oneself or one’s abilities or achievements, especially when expressed boastfully or ostentatiously.
- A hollow, false, or pretentious display of glory or importance.
"The speech was dismissed as vainglory rather than a genuine account of the nation’s progress."
"His account of the victory was less a record of achievement than an exercise in vainglory."
"The novel warns that political ambition can turn into vainglory and destroy a leader’s judgment."
The plural is rare in modern usage; vainglory is usually uncountable.
"The histories are full of the rulers’ vainglories and failed ambitions."
Vainglory is more than being vain: it names pride that has inflated into a performance, demanding to be seen and admired.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How vainglory is actually used
Formal and strongly critical. It is more commonly used in literary, political, and moral commentary than in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with vainglory
Vanity can mean excessive pride or self-regard in general, whereas vainglory more specifically suggests inflated pride that is boastful, ostentatious, or publicly displayed.