disapproval If you describe someone as self-righteous, you disapprove of them because they are convinced that they are right in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour and that other people are wrong. He is critical of the monks, whom he considers narrow-minded and self-righteous. + self-righteousness self-righteousness her smug self-righteousness. proudly sure that your beliefs, attitudes, and morals are good and right, in a way that annoys other people - used to show disapproval