self-absorption

noun

self-ab·​sorp·​tion ˌself-əb-ˈsȯrp-shən How to pronounce self-absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
: preoccupation with oneself

Examples of self-absorption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The show centers around Lauren Caspian (voiced by Woods), public radio’s third most popular host, whose self-absorption and haughtiness are matched only by the dulcet tenor of his voice. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2024 The play isn’t subtle in presenting its allegory of national racial dysfunction—the white family’s self-absorption in the face of Black suffering, and their swift move to commodify it—but Jacobs-Jenkins’s dramatic machinery is often immensely effective. Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2023 Its author, Dan Fox, works to separate pretentiousness from the many turnoffs the word conjures, like arrogance, self-absorption and snobbery. Jon Mooallem, New York Times, 3 Dec. 2023 For many, Yoon’s self-absorption and eagerness to target the media are reminiscent of the country’s mid-century military dictatorship, which lasted until the nineteen-eighties. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2023 The interview went viral on Friday, prompting widespread criticism of Wenner and portraying him as embodying stereotypes about baby boomer self-absorption and entitlement. Meredith Blake, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Sep. 2023 Back on the homefront, Zora lapses into blathering self-absorption and even Billie, the nurse, comments on her need to devote more quality time to her daughter. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2023 Nadja distracts Leon from finishing his latest novel and, with brutal honesty, forces him to confront his caustic temperament and self-absorption. Manori Ravindran, Variety, 20 June 2023 Nichols argues that in an era of jaundiced self-absorption, citizens in Western societies have lost their appreciation of democratic values and the virtues of civic engagement. Tom Nichols, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-absorption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-absorption was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near self-absorption

Cite this Entry

“Self-absorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-absorption. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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