megalomaniac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, clinical, literary. Used in psychology, politics, history, and critical commentary.
Quick answer
What does “megalomaniac” mean?
A person with an obsessive desire for power and influence, often combined with delusions of their own greatness or importance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person with an obsessive desire for power and influence, often combined with delusions of their own greatness or importance.
Can describe someone whose ambition, confidence, or sense of self-importance is so extreme that it is considered pathological, irrational, or destructive. In casual use, it sometimes refers to anyone seen as overly controlling or boastful.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both variants. Slightly more common in British media to describe historical or political figures.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech, but comparable academic/political frequency in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “megalomaniac” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/was a megalomaniac.They accused [Person] of being a megalomaniac.The [Leader/CEO]'s megalomaniac[al] behaviour led to...Driven by megalomania, [Person]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megalomaniac” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb form does not exist. Use 'to be megalomaniacal' or 'to suffer from megalomania'.
American English
- The verb form does not exist. Use 'to act megalomaniacal' or 'to exhibit megalomania'.
adverb
British English
- He ruled megalomaniacally, ignoring all counsel.
- The adverb 'megalomaniacally' is rare but valid.
American English
- She micromanaged megalomaniacally.
- The project was megalomaniacally ambitious.
adjective
British English
- His megalomaniacal schemes bankrupted the firm.
- She displayed megalomaniacal control over every detail.
American English
- The CEO's megalomaniacal vision ignored all practical advice.
- It was a megalomaniacal building project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically for CEOs or founders whose grandiose expansion plans endanger the company.
Academic
Used in psychology, history, and political science to analyze figures like dictators or cult leaders.
Everyday
Hyperbolic insult for someone acting very bossy or arrogant.
Technical
Clinical psychology: a symptom of certain personality disorders (e.g., Narcissistic Personality Disorder).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “megalomaniac”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “megalomaniac”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megalomaniac”
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'ambitious'. (It's pathological).
- Spelling: *meglomaniac, *megelomaniac.
- Using it as a standard adjective (e.g., 'his megalomaniac plans'). Prefer 'megalomaniacal plans'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not precisely. It is a descriptive term. The clinical concept is 'megalomania', which can be a symptom of disorders like Narcissistic Personality Disorder or bipolar disorder during manic episodes.
All megalomaniacs are narcissistic, but not all narcissists are megalomaniacs. Megalomania specifically involves delusions of grandeur and a compulsive quest for power, glory, or omnipotence, often on a large (mega) scale.
Yes, in informal contexts it can be used as hyperbolic humour (e.g., 'My cat is a complete megalomaniac—she demands worship!'). However, its primary tone is serious and critical.
'Megalomaniacal' is the standard adjective (e.g., megalomaniacal ambitions). Using 'megalomaniac' as an adjective (e.g., megalomaniac leader) is common but considered less formal by some style guides.
A person with an obsessive desire for power and influence, often combined with delusions of their own greatness or importance.
Megalomaniac is usually formal, clinical, literary. used in psychology, politics, history, and critical commentary. in register.
Megalomaniac: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛɡələʊˈmeɪnɪæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛɡəloʊˈmeɪniˌæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drunk on power”
- “A god complex”
- “Suffers from delusions of grandeur”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MEGA-lo-MANIAC: A MANIAC who thinks they are MEGA (huge/great).
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/SUCCESS IS SIZE (megalos = great/large). INSANITY IS A FORCE (mania).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'megalomaniac' LEAST appropriate?