self-congratulation

American  

[self-kuhn-grach-uh-ley-shuhn, -graj-, -kuhng-, self-] / ˈsɛlf kənˌgrætʃ əˈleɪ ʃən, -ˌgrædʒ-, -kəŋ-, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the expression or feeling of uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's own accomplishment, good fortune, etc.; complacency.

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self-congratulation British  

noun

1. the state or an instance of congratulating or being pleased with oneself

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Other Word Forms

• self-congratulating adjective
• self-congratulatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-congratulation

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

He throws at reporters so much fluff—personal asides, fulminations about adversaries real and imagined, commentary on culture and self-congratulation—that the press and public often ignore important things.

From The Wall Street Journal

The self-congratulation went down badly with some of his audience, according to the people close to Lloyd’s.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s tough to parse irony from self-congratulation.

From Los Angeles Times

Their final installment was all cheery good humor and self-congratulation.

From Slate

The Academy Awards are not just an evening of self-congratulation.

From Los Angeles Times