self-important

American  

[self-im-pawr-tnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf ɪmˈpɔr tnt, ˌsɛlf- /

adjective

1. having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance; pompously conceited or haughty.

---

self-important British  

adjective

1. having or showing an unduly high opinion of one's own abilities, importance, etc

---

Other Word Forms

• self-importance noun
• self-importantly adverb

Etymology

Origin of self-important

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

As Frost pointed out, it’s not necessary to annoy people with self-important umbrage.

From Salon

There are plenty of scrappy indie thrillers and international chillers that can pick up the slack outside of the glitzy domestic market, where Hollywood horror often gets lost in its own self-important sauce.

From Salon

I don’t want to make it sound totally self-important, but I do think there is something that's kind of nihilistic: “Don’t sell out, man,” even as you're selling out.

From Salon

“John Orr is basically a god among arson investigators in the state of California at that time,” said Matassa, who had taken classes from Orr and regarded him as arrogant and self-important.

From Los Angeles Times

But there has always been a soft center to his self-important characters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogant
• egotistical
• pompous