self-righteousness

/sɛlfˈraɪʧəsnəs/

Self-righteousness is acting morally superior to everyone else. Avoiding disposable cups and straws is great, but thinking it makes you a better person than people who do use them is nothing but self-righteousness.

One of the characteristics of self-righteousness is refusing to admit one's own mistakes or weaknesses. If you truly believe your ideas and actions are exceptional, and especially if you smugly find fault with everyone else's, you may have slid into self-righteousness. Being vegan is great — it's excellent for the planet and good for your health. But if your self-righteousness about it makes your non-vegan friends feel judged, nobody's ever going to want to join you for dinner!

Definitions of self-righteousness

1. noun

   a belief in one’s own correctness and moral superiority