An exaggerated estimate of one's own importance or merit, especially as manifested by the conduct or manners; self-conceit.
"self-importance" is a legitimate and commonly used word in written English. It is an adjective used to describe someone who is overly proud of themselves or views themselves as more important than other people. For example: "John has an air of self-importance that is off-putting to many people.".
The self-importance jars.
He was without self-importance.
It's drowning in its own self-importance.
"There's a certain lack of self-importance.
She just sparkles with self-importance".
All he lacked was the self-importance.
Of course some might say this reeks of self-importance.
Being a terminologist, I care about word choice. Ludwig simply helps me pick the best words for any translation. Five stars!
Maria Pia Montoro
Terminologist and Q/A Analyst @ Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union