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Showing results for self-aggrandizement. Search instead for self-aggrandising.
Synonyms

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.


self-aggrandizement British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of self-aggrandizement

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

From Slate Jun. 2, 2026

As a surly, teenage combination of self-aggrandizement and self-doubt, she is the instantly recognizable character that makes the rest of the world believable.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 20, 2025

“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

No. Rather are they stuck in, and prefer to remain in, an infinite loop of unfettered self-absorption, self-promotion, self-interestedness, self-indulgence and self-aggrandizement.

From Salon Sep. 10, 2023

But these extravagant numbers were surely a form of self-aggrandizement, and reckless to the point of irresponsibility.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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