self-appointed

American

[self-uh-poin-tid] / ˈsɛlf əˈpɔɪn tɪd /

adjective

chosen by oneself to act in a certain capacity or to fulfill a certain function, especially pompously or self-righteously.

a self-appointed guardian of the public's morals.

self-appointed British

adjective

having assumed authority without the agreement of others

a self-appointed critic

"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

self-appointment noun

Etymology

Origin of self-appointed

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.

Harbored at different times by Yemen, Syria, East Germany and communist Hungary, this self-appointed tribune of the oppressed was finally captured in Sudan in 1994, then convicted in France of multiple murders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

Adams, 66, is closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously told BBC Sport he is a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel".

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

In 2014, Rep. George Miller of California, House Democrats’ self-appointed “lead” on the issue, sent a letter to the FBI that might read today as if ChatGPT had written it.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2025

Kurrupt FM's self-appointed manager Chabuddy G then stepped into the Gladiators arena for an exclusive Red Nose Day showdown.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2025

Elizabeth was the self-appointed owner of the cat.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023