Self-aggrandize

To enhance or promote one's own power, importance, reputation, or status, often through excessive boasting, exaggeration, or the appropriation of others' achievements. This act typically involves inflating one's own ego and portraying oneself in a more favorable light than is objectively justified. Self-aggrandizement can manifest in various forms, including taking undue credit, fabricating accomplishments, and belittling others to elevate oneself. It is generally perceived negatively, reflecting arrogance, insecurity, and a lack of genuine self-worth. The motivations behind this behavior can range from a simple desire for recognition to a deep-seated need for validation and control.

Self-aggrandize meaning with examples

• The CEO's frequent speeches, filled with accounts of his personal role in every success, clearly demonstrated his tendency to self-aggrandize. He often neglected to acknowledge the crucial contributions of his team, instead painting himself as the sole architect of the company's achievements. This behavior alienated many employees and fostered a culture of resentment within the organization, causing a decline in productivity.
• During the interview, the candidate spent considerable time trying to self-aggrandize, constantly referencing prestigious institutions he attended and impressive-sounding projects he 'led' without providing substantive evidence. This strategy backfired, as the interviewer correctly identified the embellishments. The exaggerated claims ultimately undermined the candidate's credibility and led to the immediate rejection of his job application.
• The politician’s campaign was heavily criticized because it involved self-aggrandize messaging, with constant comparisons of himself to historical leaders. He often framed himself as the sole person capable of solving the nation's problems, overlooking complex realities to present an overly simplistic narrative. Such tactics, meant to capture voters, were considered by opponents to be dishonest and self-serving to his ambitions.
• Driven by a deep-seated insecurity, the social climber repeatedly attempted to self-aggrandize, claiming to be part of exclusive social circles she had never even encountered. She constantly name-dropped influential people, fabricating connections and exaggerating her experiences to impress others. Her attempts, though initially captivating, ultimately failed as her fabricated stories unraveled and exposed her deceptive nature.