adjective
self-centered
self-SEN-terd
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.”
adjective
1
Concerned mainly with your own interests, needs and feelings, and giving little thought to other people's.
"He is too self-centered to notice that his sister is struggling."
"A self-centered performance from a player who never passes."
How to use self-centered
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOnly really thinking about yourself.
When to use it
Neutral in form but plainly critical in effect; not a word to use to someone's face lightly.
Memory tip
Keep the hyphen. Self centered without it looks like an error in edited writing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a self-centered attitude
utterly self-centered
self-centered and immature
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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.
