self-aggrandizement

[self-uh-gran-diz-muhnt, self-]

noun

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

self-aggrandizement

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• self-aggrandizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-aggrandizement¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

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

Although this is what you hear daily from Elon Musk and the enablers of DOGE, these efforts are all about power, control, and the self-aggrandizement of the rich and the powerful.

From Salon

But he adds that “wielding power and mining the force of the institution for self-aggrandizement weren’t unique to the Reagan White House.”

From Los Angeles Times

He framed humor as an act of self-aggrandizement premised on the debasement of others.

From Salon

Strip away the politics and his biography, and any person who would spend time with the man would come to the same conclusion: he’s a sick person, devoid of any moral system beyond relentless self-aggrandizement.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrogance 
• narcissism 
• self-absorption 
• selfishness