narcissist

1 of 2

noun

nar·​cis·​sist ˈnär-sə-sist 

plural narcissists

: an individual showing symptoms of or affected by narcissism: such as

a

: an extremely self-centered person who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance

… 48.7 per cent of the network share, tuned in … to watch Dame Edna, the supremo of narcissists, treat the celebrity guests on her TV talk show like audiovisual aids.

—John Lahr

Humblebragging makes you sound like a narcissist who is also being deceptive.

—Elise Craig

also : a person affected with narcissistic personality disorder

But unlike the garden-variety snob, narcissists have impaired relationships because they're unable to enter anyone else's world.

—Adelle Waldman

… since the narcissist is so convinced of his high station (most are men), he automatically expects that others will recognize his superior qualities and will tell him so.

—Charles Zanor

b

: a person who is overly concerned with his or her physical appearance

O.K., I'm like most baby boomers, a narcissist. In pursuit of the perfect body …

—Cathy Booth

narcissist

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characterized by narcissism : narcissistic

narcissist behavior

a narcissist personality

Synonyms

Noun

• ego-tripper
• egocentric
• egoist
• egomaniac
• egotist

Examples of narcissist in a Sentence

Noun

with the rise of TV reality shows, attention-craving narcissists had a public forum for their self-infatuation

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These are people who lack empathy, are narcissists with a grandiose view of themselves, are pathological liars, have a constant need for stimulation, are manipulative, fail to feel remorse or guilt, and refuse to take responsibility for anything. —Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025

With grandiose narcissists, expect overt displays of dominance and control. —Mark Murphy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Labeling a parent as a narcissist or emotionally abusive is more likely to trigger defensiveness and hurt rather than openness and reflection. —Joshua Coleman, Scientific American, 3 Mar. 2025

The narcissist fears losing admiration, while the echoist fears conflict, rejection or abandonment. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

narciss(ism) + -ist entry 1

Adjective

narciss(ism) + -ist entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1934, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

narcissist

noun

nar·​cis·​sist -səst 

: an individual showing symptoms of or affected by narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder