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

Quid pro quo is his answer, but perhaps it is also the chance to feel self-important again.

From Salon

The former excels at playing the earthy, sly, seductive trickster, the latter, the pompous, self-important rich boy.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s laughable to me how self-important as an industry we can be.

From Los Angeles Times

This sounds kind of self-important, but at times it does feel like, “Well s**t, I'm lucky enough to get this far.”

From Salon

In reality, though, they are just submitting to Trump, an imbecilic bully who responds to self-important book-readers by shoving their heads in toilets.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrogant
• egotistical
• pompous