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.
Stepping away from self-importance and vanity could be challenging, so solidifying friendships and partnerships is the best way to handle the New Moon. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 24 Apr. 2025 People high on grandiose narcissism exhibit an inflated sense of superiority or self-importance, a lack of empathy, overconfidence, and entitlement. Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024 The thought was that to meet something with a laugh was the same thing as defanging it, a fearful humor inflated with American self-importance. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 The story is a grim reminder that every narcissist needs their own Echo, a loyal admirer who reinforces their delusions and self-importance. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 Pritzker and his staff’s ambitions for higher office have contributed to self-importance and a hypersensitivity to criticism, some sources have said. Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-importance. Accessed 29 Apr. 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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