self-absorbed

adjective

self-ab·​sorbed ˌself-əb-ˈsȯrbd 

-ˈzȯrbd

: absorbed in one's own thoughts, activities, or interests

Synonyms of self-absorbed

• selfish

Examples of self-absorbed in a Sentence

a self-absorbed man who seems utterly oblivious to the social problems of his own urban neighborhood

Recent Examples on the Web

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s running gag as the celebrity everyone’s too self-absorbed to recognize, for example, exemplifies the film’s willingness to hold nothing sacred, with the actors invited to follow suit. —Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 10 June 2026

Nio Russell is a vocal standout as Joanne, the brainy but long-suffering girlfriend of the promiscuous and self-absorbed performance artist Maureen, played with endearing confidence by Michael Amira Temple. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026

As self-absorbed as Smith is, his respect for Bayless is profound. —Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026

Marty is self-absorbed, forgetful, doesn’t much like people and spends hours online looking for advice about how to be a handyman. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-absorbed

• absorbed
• adsorbed
• desorbed
• resorbed
• chemisorbed
• reabsorbed
• unabsorbed
• sorbed