self-interest

[ self-in-trist, -in-ter-ist, self- ]

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

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈinterestedness, noun
• ˌself-ˈinterested, adjective

Other Words From

• self-in·ter·est·ed adjective
• self-in·ter·est·ed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-interest¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

Marrying yourself merely underscores selfishness and self-interest, rather than enabling you to live singly in the best way.

From The Daily Beast

You have to be very angry to be at the point where you no longer have any self-interest.

From The Daily Beast

“Better” means more courageous and more independent, less partisan and less motivated by self-interest.

From The Daily Beast

In a nation—in our nation—the whole point is to balance individual self-interest with the common good.

From The Daily Beast

Is that the ultimate message of House of Cards—that politics is all about self-interest?

From The Daily Beast

I can hardly believe he is the same—turned into a mere machine, with a moving spring of self-interest!

From Project Gutenberg

She is not capable of experiencing common affection for any one; every feeling of her nature is merged in self-interest.

From Project Gutenberg

The shopkeeper and his wife, drawn two ways by pity and self-interest, began by lulling their consciences with words.

From Project Gutenberg

Self-interest and self-preservation dictated many laws which secured the welfare of society.

From Project Gutenberg

Ability is demonstrated only under strenuous competition inspired by self-interest.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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