self-minded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "self-minded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is overly concerned with themselves, and is lacking in concern for others. For example, "John was late to the meeting because he was so self-minded that he did not think to check the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Judge Robinson jailed Mr. Kerik, who was also once the city's correction commissioner, after delivering a stinging rebuke, calling him a "toxic combination of self-minded focus and arrogance".

The New York Times

In fury and amazement, Robinson then blasted Kerik in court for nearly three hours, calling him "a toxic combination of self-minded focus and arrogance".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She has spent so much time and effort dismantling traditional female rap archetypes — the vixen, the tough broad — that it's disheartening to hear her crawl into another box — of self-help-minded introspect — in the interest of maturity.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a product of the bureaucratic mind at its self-protective, literal-minded worst.

The New Yorker

Keep in mind that the sports-industrial complex tends to produce narrow-minded, self-centered, ethically-challenged mercenaries who are deeply submissive to established authority while being fiercely dedicated to winning by any means possible.

Huffington Post

But high-minded self-pity only gets you so far.

The New York Times

These emotions dissolve the petty, small-minded self.

The New York Times

Should it be realistic, cartoonish, self-aggrandizing, community-minded?

The New York Times - Arts

Most are on the order of: innocent, arrogant, simple-minded, self-deceiving.

The New Yorker

Still, there is not enough evidence here to justify all the simple-minded self-righteousness.

The New York Times

However, many people promulgate an image of seminarians as narrow-minded, self-righteous elitists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "self-minded", ensure the context clearly indicates a focus on personal needs or interests to the exclusion of others. Avoid using it when a more neutral term like "independent" or "self-reliant" is more appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "self-minded" to describe someone who is simply capable and self-sufficient. "Self-minded" implies a degree of selfishness or disregard for others, unlike "independent" which suggests self-reliance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "self-minded" is as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone primarily focused on themselves or their own interests. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self-minded" is a compound adjective used to describe someone focused primarily on themselves, often to the exclusion of others. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that its usage is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "self-minded", ensure the context accurately reflects a preoccupation with personal needs, and consider more common alternatives like "self-centered" or "self-absorbed" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerned with oneself

Directly states the preoccupation with one's own affairs, offering a less nuanced and more literal alternative.

self-absorbed

Indicates preoccupation with one's own thoughts and feelings, shifting the focus from intention to internal state.

self-centered

Focuses on the individual as the center of their world, similar to "self-minded" but more common.

inward-focused

Emphasizes the direction of attention toward oneself, contrasting with external awareness.

egocentric

Implies a belief that one's own opinions are the most important, carrying a more negative connotation than "self-minded".

egoistic

Driven by the satisfaction of one's own ego, adding a layer of pride to the concept of being "self-minded".

self-serving

Motivated by personal gain, introducing an element of intentionality that may be absent in "self-minded".

self-obsessed

Highlights an unhealthy fixation on oneself, implying a more severe condition than simply being "self-minded".

narcissistic

Suggests an excessive admiration of oneself, a stronger form of being "self-minded".

individualistic

Values personal independence and self-reliance, lacking the negative connotation of selfishness often associated with "self-minded".

FAQs

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

You can use "self-minded" to describe someone who is primarily concerned with their own needs and interests, such as: "The judge described the defendant as having a toxic combination of "self-minded focus and arrogance".

What's a better alternative to "self-minded"?

Depending on the specific context, consider alternatives like "self-centered", "egocentric", or "self-absorbed". These options may more precisely convey the intended meaning.

Is "self-minded" the same as "selfish"?

"Selfish" implies a deliberate prioritization of one's own needs, often at the expense of others. "Self-minded" suggests a general preoccupation with oneself, which may not always be intentional or harmful. Therefore, they are not perfectly interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "self-minded"?

Use "self-minded" when you want to emphasize someone's focus on their own thoughts, feelings, or interests, particularly when this focus seems to overshadow their consideration for others. Ensure the context supports this potentially negative connotation.