egocentrism

noun

ego·​cen·​trism ˌē-gō-ˈsen-ˌtri-zəm How to pronounce egocentrism (audio)
 also  ˌe-
Synonyms of egocentrismnext
: the quality or state of being egocentric : excessive interest in oneself and concern for one's own welfare or advantage at the expense of or in disregard of others
Human dignity has once again been forced to the margins as corporate greed and egocentrism are given homage.— Reverend Matthew Pearson
This is the height of immaturity, another example of my generation's egocentrism …— Susan Stewart

Synonyms

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Examples of egocentrism in a Sentence

her exquisite egocentrism informs her conception of reality: she thinks the world revolves around her
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other simulations have relied on personality trait theory, which holds that people have varying levels of psychoticism (aggression and egocentrism), extraversion (associated with more daring behaviors) and neuroticism (linked to anxiety and shyness). — Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2022 The common traits here are a lack of empathy and egocentrism. — Ana Reed, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

egocentr(ic) entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of egocentrism was in 1900

Rhymes for egocentrism

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Browse Nearby Words

egocentric predicament
egocentrism
Egocerus
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Cite this Entry

“Egocentrism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/egocentrism. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

egocentrism

noun
ego·​cen·​trism -ˈsen-ˌtriz-əm How to pronounce egocentrism (audio)
1
: egocentricity
2
: the effort to get personal recognition especially by socially unacceptable behavior
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