self-centered

adjective

self-cen·​tered ˌself-ˈsen-tərd How to pronounce self-centered (audio)
1
: independent of outside force or influence : self-sufficient
2
: concerned solely with one's own desires, needs, or interests
self-centeredly adverb
self-centeredness noun

Examples of self-centered in a Sentence

a group of self-centered residents with no interest or involvement in their community
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Japan, however, where modesty and formality are valued in leadership, such a style might seem self-centered or inappropriate. Sarat Chakravarthi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 So, how do good leaders operate with confidence without coming across as arrogant or self-centered? Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 To be clear, sperm donation is, obviously, not an inherently evil or self-centered act. Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 This speaks to something in him that’s both self-centered and self-destructive. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024 Deadpool has a meeting with Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan, who rejects him since Deadpool is too self-centered for the Avengers and just not a team player. Zack Sharf, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024 Those in positions of power have it in their best interests to keep workers, neighbors, and citizens separate, self-centered, and distracted. Allie Volpe, Vox, 3 June 2024 His administration has shifted from strategic altruism to a narrower and more self-centered conception of U.S. national interests. Robert D. Blackwill, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2019 Zoey has a lot of times been fairly accused of being a narcissist and being a little too self-centered. Ronda Racha Penrice, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-centered was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near self-centered

Cite this Entry

“Self-centered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-centered. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-centered

adjective
self-cen·​tered
ˈself-ˈsent-ərd
: interested chiefly in one's own self : selfish
self-centeredness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on self-centered

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!