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

In Carney’s first year in power, he set up an office to expedite the regulatory review of projects deemed to be in the national interest.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who could possibly overturn the commission’s decision on the grounds of national interest or national security.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

"The government will always act in the national interest on these issues," they added.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

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

The clearest statement Washington ever made on America's national interest came in his Circular Letter of 1783, the last of his annual letters to the state governments as commander in chief.

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