self-absorbed

American  

[self-ab-sawrbd, -zawrbd, self-] / ˈsɛlf æbˈsɔrbd, -ˈzɔrbd, ˌsɛlf- /

adjective

1. preoccupied with one's own thoughts, interests, etc., especially to the extent that other people and things go unnoticed.

   She was criticized for being too self-absorbed, but she was an inventor, and when struck by an idea she had to shut the world out in order to focus on it.

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self-absorbed British  

adjective

1. preoccupied with one's own thoughts, emotions, life, etc

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Usage

What does self-absorbed mean? Self-absorbed is an adjective used to describe a person who’s preoccupied with their own wants and needs.When used in this term, the word absorbed means deeply preoccupied or totally wrapped up in something—in this case, oneself.Self-absorbed is almost always used negatively. When you call people self-absorbed, it usually means you think they only think about and care about themselves.The term is typically used to describe a person’s overall personality (as opposed to their behavior on a certain day or at a certain time).The state of being self-absorbed is called self-absorption (notice how the b becomes a p in the noun absorption).Example: My therapist helped me to see how self-absorbed I was, only ever thinking about myself and making everything about me.

Etymology

Origin of self-absorbed

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The long-suffering recording engineer reaches his breaking point after becoming totally fed up with the band’s self-absorbed, self-destructive behavior.

From Los Angeles Times

"We will no longer be an isolated country, a country that is self-absorbed and acts solely out of political necessity."

From Barron's

A moment ago these mysterious adults had been in a screaming argument, but now they seemed satisfied and self-absorbed, as if each had privately declared him-or herself the winner.

From Literature

Bellingham's talent is without question but he has long been a polarising figure amid reports some in the England camp believe he is too self-absorbed.

From Barron's

Marnie’s so self-absorbed that she doesn’t realize how mortifying this little show is, or how obvious it is that she’s using the event for clout.

From Salon

Related Words

• egotistical
• narcissistic