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Synonyms

self-serving

American  
[self-sur-ving] / ˈsɛlfˈsɜr vɪŋ /

adjective

  1. preoccupied with one's own interests, often disregarding the truth or the interests, well-being, etc., of others.

  2. serving to further one's own selfish interests.


self-serving British  

adjective

  1. habitually seeking one's own advantage, esp at the expense of others

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of self-serving

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I am also sad that the team was left behind after a decision that seems so self serving.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2021

That she chose the most harmful, duplicitous, self serving way to address this is still true—but if she comes out looking bad, it’s still better than she’s ever looked before.

From Slate • Sep. 7, 2021

It is amazing how self serving we can be- in this case wielding "science" and "research" as justification for what the writers found worked for them.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2016

He then followed with "@BlakeBowyer @lesbren Dallas doesn't need a miserable self serving food critic with a chip on her shoulder who make reviews personal."

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2014

Clearly and succinctly without the wandering, self serving side trips taken by Lyle, the dean cast the party line with all the skill of the accomplished angler he was.

From Wild Justice by Sprague, Ruth M.

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