Narcissistic describes someone who is excessively focused on themselves and their own importance. A narcissistic person constantly seeks admiration, believes they're more special than others, and has trouble caring about anyone else's feelings or needs.

You might notice narcissistic behavior when a classmate always steers every conversation back to themselves, brags constantly about their accomplishments, or gets angry when they're not the center of attention. A narcissistic team member might take credit for group work, dismiss others' ideas, or throw a tantrum when criticized.

The word comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man so captivated by his own reflection in a pool of water that he couldn't look away, eventually wasting away while staring at himself. This ancient story captures something true: people who are narcissistic can become trapped by their obsession with their own image and importance.

While everyone feels self-centered sometimes (especially when tired, stressed, or excited about something they've done), truly narcissistic people show this pattern consistently. They struggle to genuinely celebrate others' successes or admit their own mistakes. The word narcissist refers to someone with these traits, and narcissism is the quality itself. It's different from healthy confidence, which allows you to feel good about yourself while still respecting and caring about others.