self-centered

American  

[self-sen-terd] / ˈsɛlfˈsɛn tərd /

especially British, self-centred

adjective

1. concerned solely or chiefly with one's own interests, welfare, etc.; engrossed in self; selfish; egotistical.

2. independent, self-sufficient.

3. centered in oneself or itself.

4. Archaic. fixed; unchanging.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• selfcenteredness
  noun
• unself-centered
  adjective
• selfcenteredly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of self-centered

First recorded in 1670–80

Explanation

A self-centered person is excessively concerned with himself and his own needs. He's selfish. You probably know some people who always talk about themselves, make every issue about themselves, and are generally all about "Me, me, me!" People like that are self-centered: as the word suggests, they are overly centered on themselves. Self-centered people tend to ignore the needs of others and only do what's best for them. You can also call them egocentric, egoistic, and egoistical. In the seventeenth century, however, self-centered meant "fixed or stationary."

Example Sentences

It was a self-centered burst of kindness that ran counter to much of what Reed was known for.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Obviously, boomers are not all self-centered; they may require more help as they age.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025

Much like any young teen, Dawn was a bit impulsive and self-centered and seemingly insensitive to Buffy’s plight as a chosen savior.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

But plenty of us have self-centered people in our lives whom we do not want to cut off or gray rock—and for that, we might need to get off Reddit and talk to a therapist.

From Slate • Aug. 5, 2024

If I held them out because I loved him, I am still self-centered, although forgivable.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• egocentric
• egotistical
• self-absorbed
• self-indulgent
• selfish