Narcissism: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in psychological discussions or to describe someone excessively preoccupied with their own appearance or importance. It has a negative connotation.

• His narcissism made it difficult for him to form genuine relationships.
• The therapist diagnosed her with narcissistic personality disorder.

Has a positive connotation, referring to a healthy regard and respect for oneself. It implies a balanced sense of self-worth.

• Practicing self-love is important for mental health.
• Self-love helped her overcome many of her insecurities.

Refers to someone who is focused on themselves to the exclusion of others. It implies a negative trait but is less severe than 'narcissism'.

• Her self-centeredness made her unpopular among her peers.
• He didn't realize his self-centeredness was pushing people away.

Typically applied in developmental psychology to describe a child's inability to see things from another's perspective. It can also refer to adults who think only of themselves, usually in a negative light.

• Young children often exhibit egocentrism and have trouble understanding others' viewpoints.
• His egocentrism was evident in how he never considered anyone else's feelings.

This term is used in both psychological contexts and everyday language to describe excessive interest in one's own appearance and abilities. It suggests a more clinical or intense level of self-focus.

• His narcissism made it difficult for him to maintain healthy relationships.
• Narcissism can often be linked to deeper psychological issues.

This word is appropriate when referring to someone who is excessively focused on their own feelings and concerns, often to the point of being unaware of others. It is usually used in a negative sense.

• Her self-absorption made her seem uninterested in other people's problems.
• John's self-absorption was so extreme that he failed to notice when his friends were struggling.

This is used to describe someone who is overly preoccupied with their own thoughts, interests, and appearance. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting unhealthy levels of self-focus.

• His self-obsession was evident in the way he constantly talked about himself.
• The actress's self-obsession made her a difficult person to work with.

This term is typically used to describe excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements. It often implies a superficial or frivolous focus on oneself.

• Her vanity was obvious from the number of mirrors in her house.
• Vanity can often lead people to make poor decisions for the sake of appearance.