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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• national interests
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

national interest

We need to insist on trade that is fair, reciprocal and consistent with our national interest.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 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

Now instead of allowing prices alone to curb demand, Modi has turned to moral persuasion - asking Indians to voluntarily consume less in the national interest.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

I trusted too long in false reassurances, believing as we all want to do when men speak of the national interest, that it’s also ours.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver