self-importance
noun
self-im·por·tance
ˌself-im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s 
-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
Those most skeptical of climate change scored higher on scales associated with narcissism (self-importance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), and psychopathy (callousness).
—
Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Lilian wondered if she and her husband, even in this new, plain life, were marked in some way, then laughed at her self-importance.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
In Roman Catholic traditions, some theologians consider pride — or the idea of unchecked self-importance or arrogance — the original and most serious sin.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025
This is a marvelous role for Skarsgard, who gets to play up Gustav’s self-importance and lack of accountability along with his flirtatious charm as the movie progresses.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Reckoning commits is buying into its own self-importance.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2025
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
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Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Lilian wondered if she and her husband, even in this new, plain life, were marked in some way, then laughed at her self-importance.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
In Roman Catholic traditions, some theologians consider pride — or the idea of unchecked self-importance or arrogance — the original and most serious sin.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025
This is a marvelous role for Skarsgard, who gets to play up Gustav’s self-importance and lack of accountability along with his flirtatious charm as the movie progresses.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Reckoning commits is buying into its own self-importance.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-importance. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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