self-serving

[ self-sur-ving ]

/ ˈsɛlfˈsɜr vɪŋ /

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See synonyms for self-serving on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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

serving to further one's own selfish interests.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of self-serving

First recorded in 1900–05

Words nearby self-serving

self-sealing, self-seeker, self-seeking, self-selection, self-service, self-serving, self-similarity, self-slaughter, self-slayer, self-soothe, self-sow

How to use self-serving in a sentence

Lovell does an excellent job deconstructing this self-serving myth.
We're Still Fighting the Opium Wars|William O’Connor|August 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The result is not only vindication, but also the self-serving sense that only you can save the republic.
A Brief History of Wingnuts in America; From George Washington to Woodstock|John Avlon|August 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Plenty of listeners will point to Paula as proof that Robin Thicke is a narcissistic, self-serving jerk.
Robin Thicke’s ‘Paula’ Is What You Shouldn’t Do When You Get Dumped|Andrew Romano|June 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Catty, petty, and self-serving,” is how one of those way-right-of-center folk described Geithner to me.
Ex-Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner Relives College Glory Days|Olivia Nuzzi|May 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST

There is, inevitably, a lot of self-serving humbug and a lot of tedious pap.
South Africa Kicks Off Week Of Mourning Mandela|Mark Gevisser|December 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It was apparent that he had made a self-serving statement to Agent Quigley.
Warren Commission (5 of 26): Hearings Vol. V (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
I think we colored people ought to be more self-reliant, more self-serving.
Birthright|T.S. Stribling
His testimony, though self-serving, was given due weight when urged in his own defense.
The Trial of Jesus from a Lawyer's Standpoint, Vol. I (of II)|Walter M. Chandler
Through regulation, politics inserts itself as a self-serving factor in market transactions.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
They often publish other people's self-serving communiqués without altering a word.
After the Rain|Sam Vaknin

British Dictionary definitions for self-serving

self-serving

adjective

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

self-serving

Origin of self-serving

Words nearby self-serving

Words related to self-serving

How to use self-serving in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for self-serving