narcissistic personality disorder

noun

: a personality disorder characterized especially by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, persistent need for admiration, lack of empathy for others, excessive pride in achievements, and snobbish, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes

At its most extreme, snobbery can be a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, a condition marked by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a preoccupation with power and prestige.

—Adelle Waldman

Those with narcissistic personality disorder exaggerate their own importance, aided by success fantasies.

—David G. Myers

Examples of narcissistic personality disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, certain behaviors might signal that your child's grandparent is exhibiting narcissistic traits—or even has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). —Maressa Brown, Parents, 22 Jan. 2025

Nick Cannon opens up about his healing journey after revealing his diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019

After her parents suggested therapy, Tessa was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) in 2023. —Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2023

Sometimes referred to as main character syndrome, this phenomenon is not an actual mental health diagnosis, even though some of the characteristics may mirror narcissistic personality disorder. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

narcissistic personality disorder

noun

: a personality disorder characterized especially by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, persistent need for admiration, lack of empathy for others, excessive pride in achievements, and snobbish, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes