selflessness

American  

[self-lis-nis] / ˈsɛlf lɪs nɪs /

noun

1. lack of preoccupation with one’s own interests, advancement, desires, etc., and attentiveness to those of others; unselfishness.

   Playing volleyball taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and selflessness, which can all be applied in the classroom in helping others.

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Etymology

Origin of selflessness

selfless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

When the Dodgers visited the White House last year, Clayton Kershaw delivered a short but moving speech about the “selflessness and humility” that built a foundation for a championship.

From Los Angeles Times

It can encompass steadfastness in the face of adversity, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty and integrity in one’s dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times

Mixing American history with wild fabulation, and parental grief with Buddhist spirituality, the book’s weirdness and originality helped smuggle through its schmaltzy moralizing about selflessness and empathy.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The story of this game was really our depth and our selflessness,” Close said.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our lifeguards show selflessness every day in keeping our world-famous beaches safe for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday night should be commended and celebrated," he said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness