national interest

American  

[nash-uh-nuhl in-trist] / ˈnæʃ ə nəl ˈɪn trɪst /

noun

national interests plural

1. the interest, concern, or benefit of the whole nation as opposed to that of any particular group, party, etc., within the nation, especially with reference to international affairs or global economy.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• national interests
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

national interest

Lobbying is a legitimate activity, but so is making sure the national interest prevails.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Energy minister Chris McDonald said the government was "acting decisively and with a purpose in the national interest".

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

In a landmark speech setting out his government's policies, Albanese sought to allay public concern over AI, saying it could be adopted in a way that enhanced the national interest.

From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026

“My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done,” she said.

From Salon ● Jun. 20, 2026

It was the fortuitous conjunction of these two vast reservoirs of philosophical and physical wealth that defined America's national interest and made it so special.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis