What does narcissistic mean?
Narcissistic describes a person or quality marked by excessive self-regard, a strong need for admiration, and limited attention to the feelings or interests of others. The word is often used to criticize vanity, self-absorption, and a preoccupation with status or personal importance, but it can also describe broader patterns of entitlement, defensiveness, and lack of empathy. In clinical contexts, related terms such as narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder have precise diagnostic significance and should not be applied casually to a single act or disagreement. Because the expression is strongly evaluative, speakers should consider whether it accurately describes an established pattern rather than ordinary confidence, ambition, or selfishness. Its mythological background is especially memorable: it derives from Narcissus, the figure condemned to gaze continually at his own reflection.
Having an excessive or unrealistic sense of self-importance, a strong desire for admiration, or insufficient concern for other people.
"The director's narcissistic leadership style left little room for disagreement."
Strongly critical in general use; clinical uses refer to more specific psychological concepts.
A person characterized by excessive self-regard, vanity, or a strong need for admiration.
"He dismissed the accusation by calling his critics jealous narcissists."
Named after Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the word preserves one of mythology's most enduring warnings about self-absorption.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does narcissistic come from?
The word comes through Latin, from Greek narkissos, the name of the mythological youth who became enamoured of his own reflection. The modern adjective was developed from the same name and its associated concept of excessive self-love. The flowering plant commonly called a narcissus also carries the mythological name, while narcissism is a later derivative naming the psychological condition or trait.
Related word forms
How narcissistic is actually used
In everyday use, the term is strongly critical and can be emotionally charged. In clinical psychology, narcissistic traits or narcissistic personality disorder have more specific diagnostic meanings, so casual descriptions should not be treated as diagnoses.
Easily confused with narcissistic
Narcissistic is an adjective describing excessive self-regard, whereas a narcissus is a flower and the name of the mythological figure associated with excessive love of his own reflection.
Narcissistic is the adjective describing narcissistic traits, while narcissism is the noun naming the condition or pattern of self-regard.