self-absorbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-absorbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is excessively focused on themselves and their own interests, often to the detriment of others. Example: "His self-absorbed nature made it difficult for him to empathize with his friends' problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yeah, they're self-absorbed.

The New York Times - Arts

How self-absorbed is Michael?

The New York Times - Books

"You get self-absorbed.

The Guardian - Sport

I was self-absorbed.

The Guardian - Books

Is Gilbert self-absorbed?

The New York Times - Magazine

They're autobiographical without being self-absorbed.

The New York Times - Books

2. These people are rather self-absorbed.

The New York Times

Beth is self-absorbed and often foolish.

The New Yorker

The United States is self-absorbed.

The New York Times

Rivera was monumentally self-absorbed.

The New York Times - Books

Yup, I'm that self-absorbed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "self-absorbed" to convey a lack of empathy and focus on personal concerns. Be mindful of overusing it, as it can come across as overly critical or judgmental. Balance with showing other facets of their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "self-absorbed" as a blanket term for anyone who enjoys solitude or introspection. Self-absorption implies a disregard for the feelings and needs of others, not simply a preference for spending time alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-absorbed" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone excessively focused on their own interests, feelings, or experiences. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Books

10%

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self-absorbed" is a commonly used adjective that describes someone overly preoccupied with themselves and their own interests, often to the detriment of their relationships with others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While it appears most often in news and media, it's also present in academic and lifestyle content. When using "self-absorbed", be mindful of its negative connotation and consider synonyms like "self-centered" or "egocentric" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Avoid using it loosely; self-absorption implies a genuine lack of consideration for others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-centered

Highlights the prioritization of one's own interests and perspectives.

self-involved

Indicates a strong personal investment in one's own affairs.

absorbed in oneself

Directly indicates being deeply engrossed in one's own thoughts or experiences.

egocentric

Emphasizes a focus on oneself and one's own needs, often to the exclusion of others.

narcissistic

Implies an excessive admiration of oneself, potentially to a pathological degree.

self-obsessed

Suggests a compulsive preoccupation with oneself.

personally preoccupied

Highlights that someone's thoughts are mostly related to him/herself.

inward-looking

Focuses on internal thoughts and feelings, sometimes neglecting external realities.

caught up in their own world

Implies a detachment from external realities due to internal focus.

unmindful of others

Focuses on the lack of attention or care for other people's needs or feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "self-absorbed" in a sentence?

You can use "self-absorbed" to describe someone overly concerned with themselves, such as: "He was so "self-absorbed" that he didn't notice his friend's distress."

What are some synonyms for "self-absorbed"?

Some synonyms for "self-absorbed" include "self-centered", "egocentric", and "narcissistic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "self-absorbed" and "selfish"?

"Selfish" implies prioritizing one's own needs and desires, often at the expense of others. "Self-absorbed" describes being overly preoccupied with oneself, potentially leading to a lack of awareness or consideration for others' feelings.

Is it always negative to be described as "self-absorbed"?

Yes, being described as "self-absorbed" usually carries a negative connotation. It suggests a lack of empathy and an excessive focus on one's own thoughts and feelings, often to the detriment of relationships and social interactions.