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.

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self-interest British  

noun

1. one's personal interest or advantage

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

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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

“They obviously are cross-examined, and they’ll frequently be accused of ... lying for their own self-interest,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and other financial experts argued that self-interest would lead banks and other organizations to avoid taking on excessive risk.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thanks to a delicate balance of force, beneficence, and self-interest, the United States would enjoy both great national wealth and historically unprecedented global dominance.

From Salon

In between lies a spectrum of self-interest and, perhaps, self-delusion, but the particulars of this “POV” presentation provide a unique window into the various issues, thanks largely to the personalities involved.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because they’re perceived as going against their own self-interest, female misogynists tend to get more of a hearing, which isn’t true.

From Salon

Related Words

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