self-centredness

self-centredness

A person's self-centredness prevents them from noticing their friend's sadness.

Definition

Noun: The quality or state of being excessively focused on oneself and one's own interests, needs, or desires, often to the exclusion or disregard of others.

Usage Examples
  • (Her excessive focus on herself hindered her relationships.)
  • (His self-focus prevented him from acknowledging others' contributions.)
  • (A natural phase of focusing on oneself during early development.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Pathological self-centredness": An extreme, unhealthy form of self-focus that may indicate a personality disorder.

    • His pathological self-centredness left him unable to empathize with anyone, even his own family. (An abnormal level of self-focus that harms relationships.)
  • "Self-centredness in the digital age": The tendency to prioritize one's own online image or opinions over genuine social connection.

    • Social media can amplify self-centredness by encouraging constant self-promotion. (Technology can worsen the trait.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Self-centred (adj): Focused on oneself; selfish.

    • She is so self-centred that she never asks how others are feeling. (She is excessively concerned with her own life.)
  • Self-centredly (adv): In a manner that shows self-centredness.

    • He spoke self-centredly about his achievements, ignoring the contributions of his team. (He acted in a self-focused way.)
Synonyms
  • Egotism: Excessive and arrogant focus on oneself.
  • Selfishness: Concern primarily with one's own advantage or pleasure.
  • Narcissism: Extreme self-love and self-admiration, often with a lack of empathy.
  • Egocentricity: The tendency to see everything from one's own point of view.
Antonyms
  • Altruism: Selfless concern for the well-being of others.
  • Selflessness: Putting others' needs before one's own.
  • Humility: A modest view of one's own importance.
Related Idioms
  • "The world revolves around someone": To act as if everything is about oneself.

    • She thinks the world revolves around her, so she never listens to others. (She displays extreme self-centredness.)
  • "To be wrapped up in oneself": To be completely absorbed in one's own thoughts or concerns.

    • He is so wrapped up in himself that he forgot his friend's birthday. (He is overly focused on his own life.)