self-interest

American  

[self-in-trist, self-, -in-ter-ist] / ˌsɛlfˈɪn trɪst, ˈsɛlf-, -ˈɪn tər ɪst /

noun

1. regard for one's own interest or advantage, especially with disregard for others.

   He appears to be motivated solely by self-interest, greed, and an insatiable hunger for self-aggrandizement.

2. personal interest or advantage.

   It is particularly hard to understand why a group would vote against its own self-interest.

3. Economics. the doctrine that acting to one’s own benefit or advantage can also result in a benefit for society at large.

   Adam Smith believed that individuals pursuing rational self-interest would create wealth through efficient production and competition.

---

self-interest British  

noun

1. one's personal interest or advantage

2. the act or an instance of pursuing one's own interest

---

Other Word Forms

• self-interested adjective
• self-interestedness noun

Etymology

Origin of self-interest

First recorded in 1640–50

Compare meaning

How does self-interest compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• self-interest vs. selfishness

Example Sentences

But the authors’ self-interest can dilute the perception of objectivity.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Blue Owl has said the transactions were “arm’s length,” meaning the parties were unrelated and acting independently in their own self-interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Mandy Hill, president of the Publishers Association, said the backtrack was a victory "over the self-interest of a handful of large corporations".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

There is a risk that elites will be enriched at the expense of the broader population, while "narratives of partnership" offered by major powers can mask underlying self-interest, he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

Most people are motivated by their own self-interest, and pushing the button would ensure their survival.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Related Words

• arrogance
• egotism
• narcissism
• self-confidence
• selfishness