self-absorption

noun

self-ab·​sorp·​tion ˌself-əb-ˈsȯrp-shən 

-ˈzȯrp-

: preoccupation with oneself

Synonyms of self-absorption

• selfness
• selfishness
• vanity
• narcissism
• ego

Examples of self-absorption in a Sentence

the novel's major characters all suffer from self-absorption, and they are every bit as insufferable as such people are in real life

Recent Examples on the Web

Love contains the seeds of its own destruction—the cruelty and self-absorption that turns the afflicted against one another, and themselves. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026

The action cuts back and forth from Anna and Alice in Rome, the latter still deeply resentful and convinced the whole elaborate story is just some morbid fantasy hatched out of her mother’s self-absorption. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Simon is often his own worst enemy, letting his self-absorption and professional hang-ups derail him. — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Over the past half century, the city’s culture has descended into one of entitlement, complacency and self-absorption. — Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-absorption

• chemisorption
• malabsorption
• reabsorption
• absorption
• adsorption
• desorption
• resorption
• sorption