ENGLISH
REFERENCE

narcissistic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌnɑɹsɪˈsɪstɪk// UK //nˌɑːsɪsˈɪstɪk// nar·cis·sis·tic

adj. having too much interest in or admiration for yourself. It describes someone who thinks they are much more important or attractive than others.

adj. characterised by excessive self-admiration and a lack of empathy for others. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'become'.


SIMPLE

He is so narcissistic that he only talks about himself.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager's narcissistic behavior made it difficult for the team to share their own ideas or receive credit for their work.

COMPLEX

While some degree of self-confidence is healthy, a truly narcissistic personality can be destructive to interpersonal relationships due to a constant need for external validation and a sense of entitlement.

Synonyms
Origin

From narcissist + -ic.

Usage

Typically follows a linking verb or precedes the noun it modifies.

Pitfall

He has a narcissisticHe is narcissisticLearners sometimes confuse the adjective 'narcissistic' with the noun 'narcissist'.

© 2026 English Reference