self-centered
Self-centered (adjective) means Concerned mainly with your own interests, needs and feelings, and giving little thought to other people's. Example: “He is too self-centered to notice that his sister is struggling.”
How to use self-centered
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOnly really thinking about yourself.
Neutral in form but plainly critical in effect; not a word to use to someone's face lightly.
Keep the hyphen. Self centered without it looks like an error in edited writing.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He is too _____ to notice that his sister is struggling.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for self-centered
See all rhymes for self-centered →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between self-centered and selfish?
Selfish is about behaviour: taking more than your share and denying it to others. Self-centered is about attention: the world is organised around you in your own head, so you may not even notice that others have needs. A self-centered person is often selfish, but they can also be generous in a way that is still all about themselves.
Is self-centered the same as narcissistic?
No. Self-centered is an ordinary character description that fits most people some of the time. Narcissistic personality disorder is a clinical diagnosis involving a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration and lack of empathy that damages the person's life and relationships.
How is it spelled in British English?
Self-centred. The American spelling is self-centered; both are always hyphenated.
What is the meaning of self-centered?
"self-centered" (adjective) means concerned mainly with your own interests, needs and feelings, and giving little thought to other people's.