What does megalomania mean?
Megalomania denotes an extreme craving for power, importance, or personal greatness, often to the point of pathology. It can describe a person's belief that they are uniquely important or capable, as well as broader tendencies toward self-importance and excessive ambition. The word is commonly used in psychology, politics, literature, and criticism to describe leaders or individuals whose ambitions exceed their judgment or responsibilities. Because it carries a strong negative connotation, megalomania is not a neutral synonym for ambition. It also overlaps with terms such as grandiosity and narcissism, though it more specifically emphasizes the pursuit of exceptional status or control. The word derives from Greek elements meaning “great” and “madness,” making it especially effective when describing self-intoxication, exaggerated confidence, and an inflated sense of destiny.
nounAn extreme or pathological craving for power, importance, or personal greatness, often accompanied by exaggerated beliefs about one's abilities or status. The term can also refer more generally to excessive ambition or self-importance.
- A pathological or extreme craving for power, importance, or personal greatness.
- More generally, excessive ambition or self-importance.
"His business success was accompanied by a megalomania that led him to underestimate his competitors."
"The novel explores a politician whose megalomania eventually destroys his career."
"Her megalomania was evident in the way she expected every achievement to surpass everyone else's."
The plural is used when referring to different instances of megalomania.
"The novel examines the megalomanias of rival political leaders."
Megalomania joins the Greek roots for “great” and “madness,” capturing the idea of being intoxicated by one's own importance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of megalomania
The word was formed in 19th-century English from Greek megalos, meaning “great,” and mania, meaning “madness” or an excessive enthusiasm. The combined sense was originally associated with a delusional belief in one's own greatness. Its root is shared by English words such as megalith, megaphone, and megaspore, all of which use Greek mega- in the sense of “great” or “large.”
Related word forms
How megalomania is actually used
The term is strongly negative and is often used in clinical, psychological, political, or literary contexts. In general use, it may be hyperbolic rather than diagnostic.
Easily confused with megalomania
Grandiosity is an exaggerated belief in one's importance or abilities, whereas megalomania more specifically describes a strong or pathological craving for power, status, or personal greatness.
Narcissism centers on excessive self-love and admiration, while megalomania emphasizes the desire to dominate, achieve exceptional status, or be regarded as uniquely great.