self-important

[ self-im-pawr-tnt, self- ]

adjective

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

self-important

adjective

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

Derived Forms

• ˌself-imˈportantly, adverb
• ˌself-imˈportance, noun

Other Words From

• self-im·portance noun
• self-im·portant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-important¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Had he ever done something like in Newtown, every self-important shrink on TV would have claimed they'd have seen it coming.

From The Daily Beast

It was small and self-important rather than big and magnanimous.

From The Daily Beast

They get bloated, self-important, and impossible to deal with.

From The Daily Beast

And though we journalists can be a little self-important, we are not the only ones under surveillance.

From The Daily Beast

Real Spike will never sound that self-important, no matter how artistic he gets.

From The Daily Beast

She was more self-important and self-assertive, and Zizi wondered if she had learned something definite against some suspect.

From Project Gutenberg

A self-important postmaster, especially of a little town, like the political carpet-bagger, has no respect for ancient landmarks.

From Project Gutenberg

She could feel the cool air of the morning again, and hear the crowing of a self-important cock.

From Project Gutenberg

After the division, the vain, self-important spirit of Ephraim broke out in a characteristic way.

From Project Gutenberg

“I saw the very same thing done,” added Tommy, with his usual self-important air.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrogant
• egotistical
• pompous