self-important

USAGE SUMMARY

"self-important" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who thinks highly of themselves and believes they are more important than others. Example: Despite his limited skills and achievements, Jack always acted very self-important and pretended to know everything.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Or self-important?

The Economist

Self-important, gloomy".

The New Yorker

Audacious or self-important?

The Guardian - Books

It IS self-important.

The Guardian - Books

Kalaj is bombastic, reckless and self-important.

The New York Times - Books

And the more self-important.

The New Yorker

What a self-important title!

The Guardian - Books

"Salinger" is self-important, redundant, and interminable.

The New Yorker

Wordsworth was disciplined, self-important and steady.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Work with yourself to be less self important.

WikiHow

BOOK critics can be a pompous, self-important lot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-important" when you want to convey that someone has an inflated sense of their own importance, often to the point of being irritating or condescending. Be mindful of the negative connotation.

Common error

While "self-important" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced descriptors to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "self-important" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone who has or displays an exaggerated sense of their own value or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self-important" is a common adjective used to describe individuals who overestimate their significance. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, primarily in news and media, books, and opinion pieces. While the phrase is understood across various contexts, it's important to be mindful of its negative connotation, as it implies disapproval. Alternatives such as "pompous" or "arrogant" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. When writing, consider the register and avoid overuse in strictly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone. The term's prevalence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pompous

Refers to someone who is excessively showy and self-important in their speech and manner.

arrogant

Implies a sense of superiority and disdain for others.

conceited

Suggests an excessively high opinion of oneself, especially regarding one's abilities or appearance.

haughty

Conveys a sense of disdainful superiority and aloofness.

presumptuous

Implies taking liberties or acting with undue confidence.

overbearing

Suggests being domineering and asserting oneself excessively.

egotistical

Focuses on excessive self-centeredness and self-importance.

vain

Implies excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments.

smug

Suggests a feeling of self-satisfaction and superiority.

overconfident

Implies an excessive belief in one's own abilities or judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "self-important" to describe someone who acts as if they are more significant than others. For example: "The manager's self-important attitude made it difficult for the team to collaborate effectively."

What are some synonyms for "self-important"?

Synonyms for "self-important" include "pompous", "arrogant", "conceited", and "haughty". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone "self-important"?

Calling someone "self-important" is generally considered negative and can be offensive. It's best to use this term cautiously and consider the impact it might have on the person and the situation.

What is the difference between "self-important" and "confident"?

"Self-important" implies an exaggerated and often unjustified sense of one's own importance, while "confident" suggests a healthy belief in one's abilities and worth. Confidence is generally seen as a positive trait, while being self-important is viewed negatively.