self-aggrandizement

American  

[self-uh-gran-diz-muhnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf əˈgræn dɪz mənt, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. increase of one's own power, wealth, etc., usually aggressively.

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self-aggrandizement British  

noun

1. the act of increasing one's own power, importance, etc, esp in an aggressive or ruthless manner

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Other Word Forms

• self-aggrandizing
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of self-aggrandizement

First recorded in 1790–1800

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-aggrandizement

American life has become suffused with the results of his self-aggrandizement.

From Slate ● Jun. 2, 2026

Presenting Nyad’s back story largely through archival clips, the film depicts her as a hard-charging force of nature with a penchant for occasional boastfulness and self-aggrandizement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2023

“When we aspire to be a leading power, this is not for self-aggrandizement, but to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions,” he said.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 26, 2023

He will demonize individuals and groups who fail to serve his current mode of self-aggrandizement.

From Salon ● Aug. 7, 2023

Though self-aggrandizement was de rigueur among the generalissimos of the time, he remained ever cautious.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

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Related Words

• arrogance
• narcissism
• self-absorption
• selfishness

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