self-important

[ self-im-pawr-tnt, self- ]
See synonyms for self-important on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance; pompously conceited or haughty.

Origin of self-important

1
First recorded in 1765–75

Other words from self-important

  • self-im·por·tance, noun
  • self-im·por·tant·ly, adverb

Words Nearby self-important

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use self-important in a sentence

  • She was more self-important and self-assertive, and Zizi wondered if she had learned something definite against some suspect.

    In the Onyx Lobby | Carolyn Wells
  • A self-important postmaster, especially of a little town, like the political carpet-bagger, has no respect for ancient landmarks.

    The Old Pike | Thomas B. Searight
  • She could feel the cool air of the morning again, and hear the crowing of a self-important cock.

    Somehow Good | William de Morgan
  • After the division, the vain, self-important spirit of Ephraim broke out in a characteristic way.

  • “I saw the very same thing done,” added Tommy, with his usual self-important air.

    The Birthday Party | Oliver Optic

British Dictionary definitions for self-important

self-important

adjective
  1. having or showing an unduly high opinion of one's own abilities, importance, etc

Derived forms of self-important

  • self-importantly, adverb
  • self-importance, noun

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