narcissistic personality disorder
C1-C2Clinical, Academic, Psychological, Formal
Definition
Meaning
A mental health condition characterised by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
A personality disorder where an inflated sense of self-importance and deep-seated insecurity coexist, leading to manipulative and often destructive interpersonal relationships. It is part of a cluster of personality disorders in diagnostic manuals.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a clinical/psychological term, but has seeped into general discourse. Often shortened colloquially to 'narcissism' (though this is not clinically synonymous). In lay use, it can be misapplied to general self-centeredness rather than the specific, diagnosable condition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling of 'personality' remains consistent. No lexical differences. The abbreviation 'NPD' is used equally in both.
Connotations
Identical clinical meaning. In popular culture, the term carries the same negative connotations of arrogance and emotional manipulation.
Frequency
Equally common in clinical/academic contexts in both varieties. Slightly more frequent in US popular media and self-help literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] has/be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.[Subject] exhibits the classic hallmarks of narcissistic personality disorder.The psychologist identified narcissistic personality disorder in the patient.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A textbook case of NPD”
- “Wrapped up in their own narcissism”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used critically to describe toxic leadership styles ('The CEO's management is often described as a result of his narcissistic personality disorder.').
Academic
Central term in clinical psychology and psychiatry research papers, used with strict diagnostic criteria.
Everyday
Used cautiously, often in a pop-psychology sense to describe extremely self-centered or manipulative people ('My ex was so narcissistic, I wonder if he had a personality disorder.').
Technical
A formal diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and ICD-11, with specific diagnostic criteria and codes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The patient was diagnosed as having narcissistic personality disorder.
- The therapist specialises in treating those who narcissistically exploit others.
American English
- He was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.
- She narcissistically manipulated the entire team.
adverb
British English
- He behaved narcissistically, which aligned with the disorder's profile.
- She managed the project narcissistically, ignoring all input.
American English
- He acted narcissistically during the evaluation.
- She narcissistically demanded constant praise.
adjective
British English
- He displayed narcissistic personality disorder traits.
- The narcissistic behaviour was a significant concern.
American English
- She has a narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis.
- His narcissistic tendencies ruined the partnership.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is very selfish. Some say he has a problem called narcissistic personality disorder.
- People with narcissistic personality disorder often think they are better than everyone else and need a lot of attention.
- The clinician carefully differentiated between traits of narcissistic personality disorder and those of antisocial personality disorder, noting the former's fragile self-esteem beneath the grandiosity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection. The disorder is like being trapped in that self-admiration, creating a 'disordered personality' unable to see others clearly.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SELF IS A KINGDOM (requiring constant subjects/admirers), EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS ARE TRANSACTIONS (for personal gain).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'нарциссическое расстройство личности' in non-clinical contexts; it may sound overly technical. In general speech, 'нарциссизм' is more common for the traits, but doesn't fully capture the disorder. The concept of 'самовлюблённость' is a character trait, not a clinical diagnosis.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'narcissistic' as a simple synonym for 'vain'. Confusing it with other personality disorders like sociopathy. Using it as a casual insult without understanding its clinical severity. Spelling 'narcissistic' with one 's' ('narcisistic').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'narcissistic personality disorder' used with the most precise, clinical meaning?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Narcissistic' describes personality traits, while Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a specific, diagnosed mental health condition with strict criteria involving significant impairment in functioning.
Treatment is challenging as individuals with NPD often lack insight, but psychotherapy (like cognitive behavioural therapy or schema therapy) can help manage symptoms and related issues like depression or anxiety.
It has become more common, but it is often used imprecisely as an insult. Using it accurately requires understanding it as a serious clinical diagnosis, not just a description of selfishness.
While both may lack empathy, the core of NPD is a fragile self-esteem requiring external validation (grandiosity). Sociopathy (or Antisocial Personality Disorder) centres on a disregard for the rights of others, deceitfulness, and impulsivity, not necessarily a need for admiration.