self-importance

noun

self-im·​por·​tance ˌself-im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s How to pronounce self-importance (audio)
-tən(t)s
1
: an exaggerated estimate of one's own importance : self-conceit
2
: arrogant or pompous behavior

Examples of self-importance in a Sentence

the boxer's flamboyant self-importance often made for a colorful prefight press conference her overbearing self-importance has given her a sense of entitlement
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Psychologists call this a hallmark of grandiose narcissism, a trait characterized by self-importance and a deep need for validation. Mark Murphy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 In the end, the movie delivers an official narrative, sufficiently heroic—with sanitized flaws calibrated to modern tastes for ambiguity and irony, such as self-importance, cantankerousness, even romantic deceit. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024 But unlike the relative low-budget kicks of his previous two films, Glass has lots of portentous self-importance that the movie never quite earns. Will Leitch, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024 The arrogance and self-importance are off the charts. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2024 But even Murphy’s prestige projects seem to have swapped sincerity for self-importance. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024 So: The Milanese Loop. Michael Calore: Which has always been the height of that Apple self-importance. Michael Calore, WIRED, 12 Sep. 2024 The entire film reeks of self-importance and a need to remind us all that those behind the camera are smarter than anyone in the audience. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 Sep. 2024 Eliminating face-to-face contact through this medium might reduce their defensiveness and shyness in social relations while satisfying their need for popularity and inflated self-importance. Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-importance was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near self-importance

Cite this Entry

“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-importance. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-importance

noun
self-im·​por·​tance
ˌsel-fim-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s,
-ən(t)s
: an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance
self-important
-ᵊnt
-ənt
adjective
self-importantly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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