narcissistic personality
C1Technical/Academic (in formal psychology); General (when used descriptively).
Definition
Meaning
A psychological term describing a personality structure or disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
The term is used both clinically, to refer to a formal personality disorder (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, NPD), and colloquially, to describe an individual with an inflated sense of self-importance, entitlement, and a preoccupation with power and success, often masking underlying insecurity. It can also refer to a cluster of traits, not necessarily a clinical disorder.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term originates from the Greek myth of Narcissus. It has a precise diagnostic meaning in psychology but is often used more loosely in everyday language, sometimes with negative connotations. It's a compound noun that functions as a singular count noun (e.g., 'He has a narcissistic personality').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The clinical diagnostic criteria are identical internationally (e.g., DSM-5, ICD-11).
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects. The psychological term carries a neutral clinical tone, while the descriptive use often carries a negative, judgmental tone.
Frequency
Equally frequent in psychological literature. In general usage, the phrase 'narcissistic personality' may be slightly less common than the standalone adjective 'narcissistic' in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have + a narcissistic personalitydiagnose + [someone] with + a narcissistic personalitybe characterized by + a narcissistic personalityshow signs of + a narcissistic personalityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a leadership style or a difficult colleague: 'The board is concerned the CEO's narcissistic personality is creating a toxic culture.'
Academic
Core term in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and social psychology literature, used with precise diagnostic criteria.
Everyday
Used descriptively, often critically: 'Dealing with his narcissistic personality is exhausting.'
Technical
Refers to a specific, diagnosable Cluster B personality disorder with defined symptoms (e.g., grandiosity, fantasies of success, need for admiration).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The therapist said he was narcissistically wounding those close to him.
- He tends to narcissistically dominate every conversation.
American English
- She narcissistically exploited her colleagues for personal gain.
- The manager narcissistically demanded constant praise.
adverb
British English
- He behaved narcissistically throughout the interview.
- She smiled narcissistically at her reflection.
American English
- He spoke narcissistically about his achievements for an hour.
- She curated her photos narcissistically.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some very confident people can have a narcissistic personality.
- It is hard to work with a narcissistic personality.
- His narcissistic personality often leads him to take credit for other people's work.
- The psychologist explained the key features of a narcissistic personality.
- The candidate's narcissistic personality was revealed through his grandiose claims and utter lack of curiosity about others.
- While not formally diagnosed with NPD, her behaviour suggests a deeply ingrained narcissistic personality structure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'narcissist' + 'personality'. The 'ciss' sounds like 'kiss', as if the person only kisses their own reflection.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SELF IS A REFLECTION (to be admired, not connected to others).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'нарциссическая личность' in casual speech; it may sound overly clinical. 'Нарцисс' or 'самовлюблённый человек' is more common for everyday use.
- Do not confuse with 'истерическая личность' (histrionic personality), which is a different disorder.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'narcissistic' as a synonym for simply 'selfish' (it implies a broader, more pathological pattern).
- Incorrectly treating it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'He has narcissistic personality'). The article 'a' is usually needed.
- Misspelling: 'narcisistic' (missing one 's'), 'narcassistic'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'narcissistic personality' used most precisely?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Narcissistic personality' can describe traits or a pattern. 'Narcissistic Personality Disorder' (NPD) is a formal clinical diagnosis requiring specific, severe, and enduring criteria to be met. One can have narcissistic personality traits without having the full disorder.
Personality patterns are deeply ingrained and difficult to change. However, with specialised long-term therapy (e.g., psychodynamic therapy or schema therapy), individuals can gain insight and modify some behaviours. Motivation for change is often low due to the nature of the condition.
In everyday, non-clinical conversation, it is a strong, negative judgment and is likely to be offensive. In a clinical setting, it is a descriptive, diagnostic term. It's best used with caution and precision.
While similar, 'narcissistic' implies a more pervasive, psychological pattern involving grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. 'Egotistical' is generally less pathological, focusing more on being self-centered and talking excessively about oneself.