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

See Examples For:

selflessness

The man who gave up his seat for Burnham - and who was praised for his "selflessness" by the new Makerfield MP, in a speech to supporters on Friday morning.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

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 ● Feb. 19, 2026

He lived in an era in which selflessness was considered one of the core virtues of a great leader, and at crucial moments in our history, he behaved accordingly.

From Slate ● Feb. 16, 2026

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 ● Jan. 23, 2026

It was a sign of his humility and selflessness that he wanted to appoint me president, but it was not in keeping with the principles of the ANC.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness