Self-important describes someone who thinks they're more impressive or more deserving of attention than they actually are. A self-important person might interrupt others constantly because they assume their thoughts matter most, or insist on special treatment because they believe they're superior.

You can spot self-importance when someone talks endlessly about their own achievements while showing little interest in anyone else. A self-important classmate might dismiss others' ideas in group projects while acting like their suggestions are brilliant. A self-important adult might name-drop famous people they've met or constantly steer conversations back to themselves.

The word carries a negative tone because it suggests someone lacks awareness of how they appear to others. Being confident is admirable, but self-importance crosses into arrogance and inconsideration. When someone is described as self-important, it usually means they're exhausting to be around because they treat other people like supporting characters in their story, when really they're just one person among many.

People sometimes use the phrase puffed up with self-importance to describe someone strutting around acting superior. Real accomplishment speaks for itself; self-important people feel the need to announce their greatness constantly.