self-serving
Americanadjective
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preoccupied with one's own interests, often disregarding the truth or the interests, well-being, etc., of others.
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serving to further one's own selfish interests.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of self-serving
First recorded in 1900–05
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Lillard, on the money, plays an administrator infuriated by the warped behavior of his most popular students, but who has to face parents with chips on their shoulders and self-serving agendas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
In a statement Tuesday, TWG Global decried “multipronged attacks against TWG … by unnamed sources with self-serving interests” and said no insurance policyholder has been hurt as a result of the company’s financial transactions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
This conception of the court’s role is both self-serving and an ambitious overstatement.
From Slate ● Jul. 20, 2026
That claim was dismissed as "self-serving" by Greenpeace, whose UK chief scientist Doug Parr said approving the field would be "reckless and indefensible" in the context of international commitments to slow down global warming.
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
"The story should not come from us," Tyrion said, "or it will be seen for a self-serving lie."
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
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