self-absorbed

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self-absorbed

A self-absorbed man stares at his phone while walking his dog.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Excessively focused on one's own interests, thoughts, or feelings: Describes a person who is preoccupied with their own internal world, concerns, and desires, often to the point of ignoring or being indifferent to others.
Usage
  • The word self-absorbed is used to describe a person's character or state of mind. It carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of awareness or consideration for other people.
  • It typically functions as an adjective before a noun (e.g., a self-absorbed person) or after a linking verb (e.g., He became self-absorbed).
Examples
  • Adjective:
    • She was too self-absorbed to notice her friend was upset.
    • His self-absorbed behavior made it difficult to have a meaningful conversation with him.
    • The artist's self-absorbed phase led to great work but alienated his family.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be self-absorbed in": To be deeply engrossed in one's own specific concerns or activities.
    • He was completely self-absorbed in planning his career move.
  • The term is often used in psychological or social commentary to critique individualism taken to an extreme.
Variants and Related Words
  • Self-absorption (n): The quality or state of being self-absorbed.
    • His self-absorption prevented him from forming deep relationships.
  • Self-centered (adj): Similar to self-absorbed, emphasizing seeing oneself as the center of the world.
  • Narcissistic (adj): A stronger, more clinical term implying excessive self-love and a need for admiration, often overlapping with self-absorbed behavior.
Synonyms
  • Egocentric: Viewing everything in relation to oneself; self-centered.
  • Preoccupied: Engrossed in one's own thoughts, which can sometimes lead to appearing self-absorbed.
  • Inward-looking: Focused on one's own internal state or affairs.
Antonyms
  • Altruistic: Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
  • Attentive: Paying close attention to the needs or concerns of others.
  • Outgoing: Concerned with or directed toward others or the outside world.
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • "Lost in one's own world": An idiom describing a state similar to being self-absorbed.
    • Don't bother him; he's lost in his own world right now.
  • "It's all about me": A colloquial phrase criticizing self-absorbed attitudes.
    • Her constant stories show that for her, it's all about me.
self-absorbed

A self-absorbed man stares at his phone while walking his dog.

Adjective
  1. absorbed in your own interests or thoughts etc