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

Sir Keir stood by his decisions, saying he would not be "diverted or deflected" from acting in what he says is the "best national interest".

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 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

“I’m doing research and my research has national interest benefits. You expect support from the government. Unfortunately they don’t differentiate. They don’t care about your resume.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026

The decision was timed to deliver a shock and to make a statement that the U.A.E.’s national interest comes first, Emirati officials familiar with the decision said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 2026

Europe might contain all the cultural capitals and current world powers, but in terms of America's national interest, it was a mere sideshow and distraction.

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