Can a person have narcissistic traits without having narcissistic personality disorder?

Yes, it is possible for an individual to exhibit narcissistic traits without meeting the clinical criteria for narcissistic personality disorder.

In psychology, researchers distinguish between the clinical disorder and a less-extreme manifestation known as the "narcissistic personality type." Individuals with this personality type may possess many of the same characteristics associated with the disorder—such as a preoccupation with maintaining a positive self-concept, a desire for admiration, and a tendency to manipulate others for validation—but they are considered to fall within the normal range of personality functioning.1

While narcissistic personality disorder is defined by persistent, inflexible patterns that cause significant impairment in daily life and interpersonal relationships, those with the narcissistic personality type do not necessarily experience the same level of dysfunction. These traits are often measured using tools like the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, which helps identify a spectrum of behaviors ranging from healthy self-regard to pathological self-absorption.12